Son Heung-min (34, LAFC)'s first field goal of the season appears to have triggered internal turmoil that could determine the fate of the coaching staff and Director General of Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul.
Global sports outlet ESPN reported on the 10th (Korean time) that Cruz Azul's leadership issued an ultimatum to coach Nicolás Larcamón (42) and Director General Iván Alonso (47). They said the pair would be dismissed if they do not win the league or the Champions Cup in May, showing a hardline determination to sack them.
The decisive background to this fierce warning was the listless defeat shown in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals against LAFC on May 8 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, U.S.
Son Heung-min, who started that match, pushed Cruz Azul's defense back with dominant play. Ultimately he finished Mathieu Choinière's cross neatly in the 30th minute of the first half to open the scoring. That goal by Son Heung-min served as a catalyst as the team added two more goals for a 3-0 landslide victory.
With that goal, Son Heung-min silenced the 'aging curve' controversy raised about him with his performance. Immediately after scoring, Son Heung-min displayed his vitality with a gesture using his right hand carrying the message 'keep talking' and a 'bla bla' celebration.
According to the article, Cruz Azul went into the season boldly after pouring in $100 million (about 148.6 billion won) in transfer fees. But the leadership reportedly exploded in anger as the LAFC attack, which began with Son Heung-min's goal, repeatedly conceded goals.
Complaints about the team's performance and weaknesses shown against LAFC were directed straight at coach Larcamón, who has held the baton since June last year. Questions arose about whether he can lead the team back to the top this season or in the near future.
Son Heung-min and LAFC are scheduled to play the second leg of the quarterfinals against Cruz Azul on the 15th at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. If Son Heung-min strikes again, the Cruz Azul coach and Director General are likely to face even greater crisis. Cruz Azul sits third in the league.
Meanwhile, Estadio Cuauhtémoc, where the second leg will be held, is known for its altitude above 2,100 meters. That is a much harsher environment than Guadalajara (about 1,550 meters above sea level), where the June World Cup group stage will be held.
Captain Son Heung-min's experience of playing first at high altitude in Mexico carries considerable meaning for the Korea national team. It becomes an opportunity to accumulate practical data to pass on to Hong Myung-bo's teammates after personally experiencing oxygen deprivation and bodily changes.
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