Davy Arnaud lamented Austin FC's sluggish display in their 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC last time out and urged his players to take responsibility ahead of facing Los Angeles FC in MLS.
Austin were blown away by the Eastern Conference leaders last time out and snapped their eight-game unbeaten streak in the process.
It is a loss that leaves the Black and Verde 13th in the West, five points behind ninth-place LA Galaxy with six games remaining.
And Arnaud was particularly disappointed with the performance last time out, saying Austin looked disjointed.
"We have to understand that we need 11 guys on the same page and pulling in the same direction," he said after the Nashville loss.
"I don't think we had that. They were better than us in every part of the game. They beat us in every part of the game.
"The players have to take responsibility for being a self-starter, and we didn't do that. Everything we talked about and worked on defensively didn't go well."
LAFC's first game under Xavi Tamarit finished in a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out, leaving them sixth in the West, having played a game more than the teams around them.
They are winless in their last four league games – alternating between a loss and a draw in that run – and have won just one of their last 11 MLS outings.
But there was good news off the pitch as defender Eddie Segura agreed a new contract through to the 2029-30 season, with an option for an extra year.
"Eddie has earned the trust and respect of everyone at this club through his consistency, professionalism, and leadership over the years," said LAFC president of soccer operations, John Thorrington.
"He has played an important role in some of the biggest moments in our history, and his character, humility, and commitment to the team exemplify the qualities we value and want to reward at LAFC.
"We are excited to have Eddie and his family remain an important part of this club as we continue our pursuit of more championships."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Bouanga has scored eight goals in 10 career matches against Austin in all competitions, more than any other player against the Verde since the club joined MLS in 2021.
Austin are one of five teams that Bouanga has scored at least eight goals against in his LAFC career.
Austin FC – Brandon Vazquez
Vazquez scored Austin's lone goal in their defeat to Nashville SC.
Either Vazquez (two) or Christian Ramirez (four) have scored Austin's last six regular-season goals dating back to September 9.
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
Austin are unbeaten in five straight regular-season meetings with Los Angeles (W2 D3), including a 0-0 draw on March 21. LAFC did sweep Austin in the first round of last season's playoffs, winning the two matches by a combined score of 6-2.
But LAFC have won only one of their last 11 regular-season matches (D6 L4) dating back to the start of August, including going four in a row without a win (D2 L2). Only five teams have collected fewer points than their nine in that time.
Austin's eight-match regular-season unbeaten run ended with a 4-1 home defeat to Nashville.
They are unbeaten in four straight on the road (W3 D1), though, the second-longest streak in club history (six straight – W5 D1 – in June to July 2022).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Los Angeles FC – 64.7%
Draw – 19.3%
Austin FC – 16%
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