Los Angeles have won the Supporters’ Shield for the team with the best overall record in this year’s regular MLS season, shattering a host of records in the process. It must be a lot of fun... It’s been great, every part of LAFC: the stadium, the fans. There were a group of people that were on board before there was a team that created incredible momentum and energy in the city. And we are so excited to feel like we’re part of something special.
Last season was the team’s first and you got to the play-offs. How did you step things up this year?
The first season we played a lot of good football but I think we were a team that wasn’t always consistent over 90 minutes. There were times when we conceded too easily, where we could have won a game and instead took only a point. But I think the overall way that we go about it – our ideas, to try to push up the field, to press, to win the ball high, to create chances – I think we continue to grow in all those ways. I think the players love the way we play. We know that our supporters appreciate that kind of football.
You won the MLS Cup with Chicago Fire in 1998 when the competition was still in its infancy. How has MLS changed?
MLS has certainly changed in the fact that there’s so many more teams. I think we see teams that have identities, incredible new stadiums. The way a lot of different players have come from outside and the way American players have continued to develop. They all go together in a good way so we’re excited to see the way the league continues to develop. But it has to continue to be challenged the right way. Every league needs more teams that play with an identity. Every team needs more really good games where teams go on the field and go after each other.
Have you noticed a marked improvement in the standard of play?
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Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av World Soccer.
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Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role
Inter cruise to title number 20
Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals
HAT-TRICK HERO
Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final
GOING UP
The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar
Palau soldier on alone
The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
Disasters brewing
There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines
