▲ Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min (LAFC), who recently broke his long goal drought and signaled a fresh takeoff, is expected to have his playing time managed for the time being due to the team's tight schedule.
LAFC head coach Mark dos Santos stated during a local press conference held today (the 22nd, KST) ahead of their Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Real Salt Lake that he plans to limit Son's playing time.
"We face a brutal schedule of nine games in a month, including the Leagues Cup, with long travel distances," he said. "In this situation, we need to manage the playing time of players like Son."
He emphasized, "We need to manage when to substitute him off during a match and when to rest him for the next game."
This managerial stance leaves some regret, coming just as Son has quenched his scoring thirst and warmed up.
Son, who had suffered through a 13-match scoreless streak in the league, finally scored his first goal of the season in the 12th minute of the second half during the derby against local rivals LA Galaxy (a 3-0 victory) on the 18th.
With the blockades cleared, a series of stages await Son to continue his scoring momentum.
Home matches are lined up back-to-back against Real Salt Lake on the 23rd and Sporting Kansas City on the 26th, followed by an appearance in the All-Star Game on the 30th.
It is a golden opportunity to aim for consecutive goals in front of home fans with his newly lightened steps, but regardless of the player's motivation, Coach Santos's stance is firm.
When asked if the playing time regulation was requested by the player, Santos drew a line, saying, "I brought it up first."
He added, "Players always say they can play every game, but data during tight schedules clearly shows a decline in performance. Son also fully understands and accepts our management approach."
Son's position is expected to remain fixed as a central striker.
Coach Santos expressed strong confidence in the abilities of his existing winger resources, signaling that he has no intention of moving Son to the flanks for stamina preservation or tactical changes.
"I am very satisfied with wingers like Denis Bouanga, David Martínez, and Tyler Boyd," he said. "They constantly penetrate spaces, deliver quality crosses, and bring energy to the team with their respective strengths, so I prefer having these diverse options."
(Photo: Getty Images)
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