1. I will reorganize the team
There is a fundamental flaw in the structure of this team, the way it is built and constructed; there are simply not enough quality MLS players. I have said it before and I will say it again; Toronto FC is not built like an MLS team should be built. My first order of business will be to acquire solid players with MLS experience and round out the roster.
2. I will also fold the team
When a chef is given a dish already burned, on a plate already cracked, with an odor foul enough to make one lose his proverbial chip butty, what do you do? You throw it out. That’s what I propose: a year of no Toronto FC. Fold the team, wait a year, and come back. Thus we have access to the expansion draft, have a shot at the first draft pick, and come into the MLS a complete roster.
3. I will sign one (1) smart designated player
When Tom Anselmi signed Julian de Guzman, he had one criterion in mind: Canadian. That’s not how I do things. If this team needs a DP, there will only be one, and he shall be a striker to play up top. He shall be aged no more than 29. He shall come from a European team. He shall be both strong and fast. He shall be like Eric Hassli except without the red card-magnet. And lo, it was good.
4. Change our reputation
Let’s be real; Toronto isn’t a city that MLS players are clawing over to go to. The reputation Toronto FC has built over the last six years is astonishing, and with the new “academy-first” direction we’ve taken, our relationship with MLS regulars isn’t getting any better. Certainly, for every Alan Gordon or Jacob Peterson we trade away, there is an hour of ranting about how unfair Toronto treats their players. I shall work tirelessly to change that reputation.
5. Sign a proper player in the draft
I hate playing the “I told you so” card but when everyone was high on Luis Silva, I was bitter at missing Nick DeLeon. Countless draft pieces came and went and throughout, Nick DeLeon was my number 1 selection. Clearly, Winter thought otherwise. In the end, who would you rather have right now, Silva or DeLeon?
That’s what I thought!
6. Academy is as academy does
We talk so much about how the academy is our future, how they will one day invade the first team and become the face of Toronto FC; which is an awesome dream to have, sure. However, did anyone stop and ask “what is the academy doing right now?” They do not have a training facility yet, have little in terms of structure, and the graduates are not getting consistent minutes, barring Ashtone Morgan. Stinson, Cordon and Makubuya need minutes; why graduate them if they’re not ready yet?
7. Incentives for the players
Now I’m not too sure what the rulebook says on this one, so I can’t 100% say that this is legally possible. However, a $150 thousand player could be signed for $100 thousand, if, let’s say, I accidently dropped the keys to a condo into their coat pocket? For arguments sake, let’s also assume that key-ring also played host to a Kia? And, whoops, was that my Rolex that just fell into your lap when you scored a goal? Incentives, people!
8. Implement a 4-3-3: and a 4-4-2: and a 5-1-1-1-1-1
Yes, it’s good to have a system in mind. It’s also good to have another system, when the first one doesn’t work. It’s also good to adjust your tactics for every opponent you play, rather than stubbornly refuse to change the formation because it goes again the “philosophy of the club.” You don’t play 4-3-3 every game because sometimes, a 4-3-3 is the worst possible formation to play against a specific opponent; limiting yourself to one formation is foolish. Diversify.
9. Champions Day
Here’s a personal touch of mine, which should help make this team go from good to great. Once per week, the entire 25-man roster (I should mention, no more than 25, period!) sits down with a true champion. I’m talking Zinedine Zidane, Eric Cantona-types who are available to speak (for an appearance fee) and can inspire the boys with stories of victory and glory.
10. I want it
The tenth reason why I should be coach is because I want to do it. You can trust me. I’ve done this before, a lot (in FIFA 12…). Believe me, you’re in safe hands. I can assure you at the very least I will not lose the first eight games. That’s a promise.
Sure, I may never be the head coach of Toronto FC, but it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are solutions to every problem – yes, even the one Toronto FC currently find themselves in.
(11. Free season tickets and Chip Buttys too!)
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