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Posted by
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September 29, 2017 |
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SEATTLE - Vancouver Whitecaps FC have taken MLS by surprise this season as they battle to claim top spot in the MLS western conference. The 14-10-6, Whitecaps are looking to secure a playoff spot, and they can do that with a win against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. Manager, Carl Robinson has been able to get the most out of his team, when fans, pundits, and observers weren't sure Vancouver had the personnel to win.
The gaffer has assembled a squad with terrific depth, talent, and battles for a spots in the starting eleven for each match. Healthy competition brings out the best in athletes, and Robinson has made sure his players aren't too cozy with playing time.
Robinson is getting MLS 'Coach of the Year' consideration, but he's not at all concerned with that. What would such a prestigious honour mean to him? The 40 year-old is doing his best to avoid that question, and any possible accolades that might come his way.
"I'll swerve that one," Robinson said. "It's not about me, it's about my players. The players deserve all the credit, and they deserve the credit throughout the year. People will throw out slogans, and things like that. I don't read nothing, so that's why I won't answer that. Listen, there's good coaches in this league. When you get the opportunity, you've got to take advantage of it. I've assembled a group of players through the help of the club, to try and put ourselves in a position where we're enjoying our football, playing some really good stuff, and making people smile. So, I don't answer your question, do I...? "
No, Mr. Robinson, you've not answered the question, but some of your players have. Whitecaps FC skipper, Kendall Waston weighed in with his thoughts on his gaffer, and how much he does behind the scenes to prepare his squad.
"Yes, absolutely," Waston said, when asked if Robinson should get consideration. "I think he's the best coach in the MLS. For me, the way that he coaches us, the way that he explains everything, all the situations, and the results. Right now, we are in first position, and I think that he is the best coach."
Brek Shea is in his first full season with Whitecaps FC. He's come over from Orlando City SC and learned on the fly. Shea has acclimated himself quite nicely, and found a role up, and down the flank. Shea has contributed, and formed chemistry with his teammates.
"Yeah," Shea said, "I think any team that when you're first in your conference, you're obviously doing something right. He's put a good team together, and we keep getting results away from home, and at home, obviously he's doing something right."
International footballers like Waston and Shea both know what a top manager can do to build a winning mentailty. Robinson has done that, he has respect, and his players believe in what he is delivering when breaking down an opponents tactics.
The team, and front office are behind Robinson, but they won't have a say in who is, and who isn't nominated for MLS 'Coach of the Year.' That's where it will get tricky.
In 2013, Camilo Sanvezzo scored 22 goals, and added 6 assists for Vancouver, but was not named as an MLS MVP candidate. In 2015 Kendall Waston was a force defensively for Vancouver, and finished second in MLS 'Defender of the Year Award' voting. Also in 2015, David Ousted finished second in MLS 'Goalkeeper of the Year Award' voting.
The Caps have come close, but it's always been bridesmaids. Why doesn't Vancouver get more league wide recognition? They don't have a star U.S. national team player, or break the bank to bring in a Giovinco, Kaka, or Clint Dempsey, and home matches often start at 7:00 p.m. local time.
"Everybody have there different opinions, and I respect everything", said Waston. "Sometimes we can't control those situations. To be honest, the main thing here, is winning the MLS Cup."
Winning the MLS Cup would do wonders for the organization, and it would showcase Whitecaps FC on a national MLS spotlight. If Vancouver hoists the MLS Cup on December 9, Carl Robinson would get his due, and have bidders from abroad looking to poach him.
"The league's big," revealed an insightful, Shea. "U.S. and Canada are massive, so everything is spread out, and everyone has their team they pay attention to. If we make the playoffs and do well, and we keep winning, I think teams, and people will take notice."
Carl Robinson is content to fly under the radar. His 'fine lines' approach shows that he is a players manager. He wants his players to earn the praise, and not him. That's a sign of a top class manager, and that's Carl Robinson.
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