LAFC manager Marc Dos Santos embraces expectations: 'A privilege to be under pressure'

""I never coach with the intention of what people think or what people are going to say," he said. "I'm focused on the group and my job; the validation that is the most important for me is from my owners, from the people in the club that believe in me. "I'm blessed with the pressure of coaching LAFC, It's a privilege to be under pressure. But at the same time, I want to start well.""

""The office is a little bit bigger," he said. "My parking space is exactly the same.""

"He'll get that chance Tuesday, when LAFC faces Honduran club Real España in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup in San Pedro Sula. The MLS season will start four days later against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the reigning league champion, at the Coliseum."

"Under Cherundolo, who spent his whole playing career in Germany, the team ran a German-influenced, high-press system that combined fast-paced attacking with defensive discipline, emphasizing quick transitions and a compact defensive organization."

Marc Dos Santos was promoted from assistant coach to LAFC manager and now carries primary responsibility for results. The role brought minor perks such as a slightly larger office while maintaining the same parking space. Dos Santos welcomes scrutiny and emphasizes validation from club owners and the team rather than public opinion. A demanding opening schedule includes a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Real España and an MLS season opener four days later against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, part of four games in 12 days. Dos Santos has begun altering LAFC's approach toward more aggressive, possession-based tactics after years under a German-influenced high-press system.

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