Riqui Puig questions MLS Cup Playoff format

The midfielder again sent a message to the league regarding the playoff format and the change in schedule for the semi-final against Minnesota.

Riqui Puig continues to show why he is one of the best players in Major League Soccer this season, and his performances are helping the Los Angeles Galaxy emerge as serious title contenders.

The Spaniard played a key role in the first round of the best-of-three MLS Cup Playoffs series, scoring four goals and registering an assist to eliminate the Colorado Rapids and advance to the Western Conference semi-finals against Minnesota .

That's reflected in his numbers – the best of his career so far: 17 goals (13 in the MLS) and 12 assists. Puig

“I don't want to impose any limitations on myself. I think I'm having one of the best years of my life in terms of goals and assists. But it is also thanks to the team, which has done an impressive job. We play the way the coach wants and we score on the pitch,” the player said this week as the Galaxy prepared for Sunday's showdown.

“I'm looking forward to meeting Minnesota, they are a team that defends very well and doesn't face many counter-attacks, and we are very strong in that area. But I think the Galaxy guys up front are putting up some impressive numbers and I hope we're on the same page on Sunday,” the number 10 added.

Puig again criticized the MLS

The Spaniard has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to the Los Angeles Galaxy and how happy he feels since his arrival in 2022. Riqui even signed a contract extension until the end of the 2027 season and hopes to win many trophies during his time in Major League Soccer .

This year, however, he was unhappy with the schedule and new playoff format. The Galaxy have not played an official match for just over three weeks and Puig is concerned the break could affect their rhythm.

“Honestly, it's like doing a new pre-season because when you train during the week and you know there won't be a match, it becomes a bit more difficult,” he explained. “Maybe the players are not as motivated or focused because the match is three weeks away. Anyway, we have reached the important week and we know that we will play on Sunday. It's also a difficult time because we haven't played at that time all year, but if they want to change things now that it's the most important time of the season… fine”.

He continued: “I think when you see playoffs in other leagues, like basketball or baseball, they play every three days. We've been competing for about ten months now and all we want is to finish as quickly as possible. Now that we are in shape, we have to play matches as soon as possible. We are fine physically and mentally, but waiting three weeks is a bit complicated for us.”

The Galaxy's ambitions this year

As for his hopes, Puig is clear that he wants to end the year with success and the team is just three games away from that goal.

“I think we are the Galaxy, we are the team with the most MLS Cups in the entire league. I think we have to go for the maximum, namely winning the cup. The Galaxy are a great team and we can't be satisfied with just playing in the conference finals or conference semifinals. We have to go for everything, the team is motivated and I have a lot of confidence in this team,” he reasoned.

“I think the team wants to go into this game and win this MLS Cup. We are excited and especially to give this cup to the people who have waited so long and I think the Galaxy deserves it,” he concluded.

The winners of Sunday's semifinals will advance to the Western Conference finals, where either Los Angeles FC or the Seattle Sounders await.

The 2024 MLS Cup Final will be played on Saturday, December 7, with the highest-ranked team in the Supporters' Shield standings hosting the match.