LAFC coach Dos Santos directly explained the background of Son Heung-min's early substitution, which drew attention on the North and Central American stage. He made clear it was not a simple tactical decision but part of season-long management.
LAFC beat Real España 1-0 on the 25th (KST) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles in the second leg of the first round of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Having won the first leg 6-1 away, LAFC advanced to the round of 16 with a 7-1 aggregate score.
LAFC rotated the squad that day. Son Heung-min started but was substituted at the start of the second half. Buanga also came off after playing only the first 45 minutes. With the attack somewhat stifled, Tapia broke the deadlock in the 19th minute of the second half, scoring the winning goal with a left-footed shot amid the scramble.
After the match, Dos Santos told Fox Sports and others, "Originally we planned to use Son Heung-min and Buanga for only 45 minutes. Neither player completed the preseason perfectly. Regaining match sharpness was the most important thing. We had already told both players in advance they would play only the first half."
Earlier, Son Heung-min started the MLS season opener on March 22 against Inter Miami CF and was substituted in the 44th minute of the second half. At the time, he drew attention by showing frustration at the moment of substitution and making a strong gesture toward the bench.
Regarding that, Dos Santos said in a club interview, "I have a very good relationship with Son Heung-min. We talked enough," and stressed, "In the Inter Miami match he played 95 minutes including added time. We are not looking at one game in the season but at the whole picture."
He added, "Son also went on the away trip to Honduras. We were leading 2-0 at the time, and judged it sufficient given the flow of the game. He is a player with strong competitive spirit, so emotions can surface in substitution situations. If a player is outstanding, it is natural that he wants to play more."
He specifically mentioned Son Heung-min's physical condition. "When he returned on the first day of preseason he had discomfort in his calf. Management was necessary to prepare perfectly for the start of the season. He did not complete all the intensity of the preseason we wanted. But now he is getting close to 100% condition and coming into form," he explained.
LAFC is on the rise, having won all three official matches at the start of the season. On April 1 they will play the 2026 MLS round 2 away match against Houston Dynamo FC. / 10bird@Osen.co.kr
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