LAFC's New Manager Embraces Pressure of High Expectations

Marc Dos Santos takes over as LAFC manager, vowing to put his stamp on the team's playing style

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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When LAFC promoted Marc Dos Santos from assistant coach to manager two months ago, he welcomed the increased scrutiny and pressure that comes with the new role. Dos Santos, who has won everywhere he's managed except for a previous stint in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, is looking to put his own stamp on LAFC's playing style by implementing a more aggressive, possession-based attacking game. The team will face a busy schedule to start the season, including a CONCACAF Champions Cup match and the MLS opener against reigning champion Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.

Why it matters

LAFC has been one of the most successful MLS clubs over the past eight years, making the playoffs seven times, playing in two MLS Cup finals and two CONCACAF Champions League finals, and winning two Supporters' Shields and a U.S. Open Cup. Dos Santos has big shoes to fill as he takes over for Bob Bradley and Steve Cherundolo, and the team's demanding fans will be closely watching to see if he can maintain the club's high level of success.

The details

Dos Santos is looking to tweak LAFC's playing style, moving away from the German-influenced, high-press system that emphasized quick transitions and defensive discipline under Cherundolo, and instead implementing a more aggressive, possession-based attacking game. The team has been unbeaten in four preseason games, outscoring opponents 7-3, as Dos Santos and his staff have begun implementing these changes. The busy early-season schedule, including four games in 12 days to start the year, will require Dos Santos to rotate players and rely on the team's depth, which he believes is underrated despite the roster being led by star players like Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga.

  • LAFC faces Honduran club Real España in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on February 17.
  • LAFC will open the MLS season on February 21 against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the reigning league champion.
  • After 16 MLS match days, the season will pause for more than seven weeks for the World Cup in late May.

The players

Marc Dos Santos

The new LAFC manager who was previously an assistant coach for the team. Dos Santos has won everywhere he's managed except for a previous stint in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Bob Bradley

The former LAFC manager who Dos Santos served as an assistant under.

Steve Cherundolo

The former LAFC manager who Dos Santos also served as an assistant under.

Son Heung-min

The South Korean captain of LAFC.

Denis Bouanga

The former MLS Golden Boot winner who plays for LAFC.

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What they’re saying

“I never coach with the intention of what people think or what people are going to say. 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.”

— Marc Dos Santos, LAFC Manager (bnd.com)

“What is really impressive is Marc and the staff have begun implementing these tweaks. Everybody is really buying in.”

— John Thorrington, LAFC General Manager (bnd.com)

“People could look very superficially. But it's also a league with a salary cap and there's so many players that support what are called the more known or star players. That's important.”

— Marc Dos Santos, LAFC Manager (bnd.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.