The Spanish striker reflected on his Falcons debut, the move to LA and Messi’s impact in MLS.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Aug 21st, 2023 17:34 EDT
Twitter: @LAFC
LAFC confirmed the signing of Mario González from Braga last month, bringing their search for a new striker to a close. The Spanish forward was given the Number 9 jersey on his arrival, signalling that he will play a key role going forward.
He made his debut in LAFC’s Leagues Cup tie with Monterrey, in which the Falcons were eliminated at the quarter-final stage. Following a two-week break the team returns to MLS action against Colorado on Wednesday and González is expected to lead the line once again.
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— LAFC (@LAFC) August 12, 2023
After making the move from Europe the 27-year-old had not had the benefit of a proper pre-season and struggled on his LAFC debut.
Speaking to the Inside LAFC podcast, González admitted that he had felt off the pace in his first outing.
“Before the game I felt totally ready but in terms of physical preparation I am not at my best level,” González explained. “We were in the pre-season in Europe so it’s not the same as here.”
“At Braga I had two months of summer then two or three weeks of pre-season, but now I come here and everyone’s in the middle of the season. Everyone, in terms of the physical, is really good and I’m still preparing myself for the season. That’s been the most difficult thing.”
González hopes to build relationship with Bouanga and Vela
In 2022 LAFC won the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup with an explosive attacking trio that ranked among the best in the league. Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga remain at the club, but they lost the more imposing presence of Christian ‘Chicho’ Arango in the close season.
González has been brought in to be Arango’s replacement and he was handed the Number 9 jersey that the Colombian forward left behind. However González was quick to point out that it will take some time for him to gel with his new teammates.
“It was a difficult game for me,” González said of his debut against Moterrey. “I felt during the game that I was not really connected to the team. It’s normal I think.”
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“Everybody said, when I arrived, that they were looking for a forward, a striker in the box. I think we have different types of striker, but not really a Number 9.”
“Now is the moment to find solutions, to see how Denis [Bouanga] plays, how Carlos [Vela] plays… I need to find what they want, and also what I need from them.”
González has followed Messi’s Miami exploits
Towards the end of the interview the Spaniard was asked about the timing of the transfer, coinciding with one of the greatest players of all time arriving in MLS.
“I am following Messi all the time,” González replied with a laugh. “I think it’s a good moment, the competition is growing a lot and of course the attendance is growing every year.”
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Last season Mario González struck 15 goals for Belgian side OH Leuven.Plumb Images
Finally he was asked about the move to the United States and the cultural challenge that it represents. The 27-year-old has now played in five countries and is confident that he will be able to adapt quickly. However that was not always the case.
