Comparison is cruel, but that makes it clearer. Can the choice to maintain continuity of the system really lead to a championship? The single question for LAFC's new season is whether Marc dos Santos is the right person to bring Son Heung-min's LAFC to the top.
The U.S. edition of global soccer outlet Goal.com rated and graded MLS clubs' managerial appointments on the 13th (Korean time) ahead of the 2026 season.
LAFC, which parted ways with coach Stephen Cherundolo after four successful years, chose internal promotion. LAFC elevated dos Santos, who had been Cherundolo's right-hand man and was the club's assistant coach, to the permanent head coaching position.
Goal.com's assessment was "safe but not sharp." The outlet acknowledged the immediate advantage in terms of squad management, saying, "It is a choice often made by strong teams. They entrusted continuity to someone who already knows the team well."
Dos Santos has been with LAFC since 2022 and has a deep understanding of the tactics and the squad. The fact that there is no confusion in resource utilization from day one is a clear advantage.
But concerns were as large as the expectations. His managerial career has produced mixed results. Dos Santos's time at Vancouver Whitecaps produced only a single playoff appearance.
One can argue there were resource limitations, but the counterargument is that there were coaches who achieved results under similar conditions.
Except for his 2014 stint at Ottawa Fury in the North American second division, evaluations say he lacks definitive "proof." Criticism was compounded by the fact that the club missed out on Ange Postecoglou, who was available as a free agent.
The grades were cold. Dos Santos received a B-, second from the bottom among nine newly appointed head coaches. The lowest grade went to Yoann Damet of St. Louis City (C).
Local U.S. opinion is cautious as well. MLS Move, an SNS outlet that covers MLS news, bluntly forecasted, "Even with a top-tier asset like Son Heung-min, it will be insufficient to win the MLS Cup."
The essence of the problem is leadership that can bear the "weight of stars." If LAFC, which has top-level attacking resources in Son Heung-min and Deni Bouanga, produces ordinary results, the evaluation will inevitably be harsh.
Among some fans, voices even summon the failures of the Nuno Espírito Santo era as the worst-case scenario.
Dos Santos said at his introductory news conference, "Fairness and bluntness are my way. Bouanga and Son Heung-min are no exceptions."
The principles are clear. What remains now are the results. Will the seatbelt of continuity lead to a championship trophy, or will it be recorded as the limits of "adequacy"? LAFC's answer sheet for the 2026 season will be revealed soon.
[OSEN]