TORONTO — John Herdman, the newly appointed head coach of Toronto FC, is driven by the opportunity to develop a new team and restore the club to its former glory.
Herdman, a 48-year-old Englishman, was officially introduced as the head coach at a press conference on Tuesday. He will assume his new role on October 1.
Having previously served as the coach for Canada’s men’s national team, Herdman stepped down from his position on Monday to take charge of the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
“I and my staff are drawn to situations like this, where there is a tremendous opportunity,” said Herdman. “Toronto FC is a massive club with a rich heritage, and we believe that we can return it to its former glory soon.
“This setting is perfect for us to use our experiences and work with the existing culture to refocus and rejuvenate both the staff and the players, taking them to the next level. And we know Toronto FC has the potential to reach that next level.”
Herdman has spent 13 years with Canada’s national teams, initially coaching the women’s team before leading the men’s team to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years in 2022. He is the first manager to guide both a women’s and men’s team from the same country to World Cup qualification.
Herdman cited the challenges and ongoing labor disputes at Canada Soccer as factors that influenced his decision to move into club soccer.
“This is a fresh start, full of energy, and we are ready for it,” Herdman declared. “We all go through cycles of change in life, and I’ve had a feeling for a while that it’s time for a new challenge. The team has been evolving, and things are progressing.”
Toronto FC, currently in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-13-10 record, will be under Herdman’s leadership. The team had a successful 2017 season, winning the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, and Canadian Championship. However, under interim coach Terry Dunfield, the team has suffered six consecutive losses in MLS competition and eight consecutive losses in all competitions.
Herdman confirmed that Dunfield will be part of his coaching staff. TFC president Bill Manning acknowledged the club’s “fractured” culture but expressed confidence in Herdman’s ability to foster unity.
“When I look back at successful clubs I’ve been involved with, there’s always been a sense of unity and collaboration,” Manning explained. “John naturally possesses those qualities.
“He explained to me how he fostered unity within Canada Soccer, working with both national teams. I believe that’s exactly what we need with John as our long-term leader.”
Herdman’s commitment to collaboration aligns with the mindset of general manager Jason Hernandez.
“I don’t want to operate as a dictator,” Hernandez stated. “Our approach will be completely collaborative.
“I would never impose a player or an opportunity on the manager that doesn’t contribute to the team’s success. Similarly, John would not push forward with an opportunity that would disadvantage the club in any way.”
The evaluation process for Herdman’s roster will involve discussions regarding the future of Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi within the team.
“I have Jason Hernandez, who has extensive experience with these players, helping me determine the composition of the roster for the new season,” Herdman explained. “But ultimately, it’s a process of assessing the commitment level of individuals to take this club to the next level, because that’s our demand and expectation.”
Canadian international player Sam Adekugbe, currently playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps, expressed disappointment at Herdman’s departure from Canada’s national team.
“John Herdman was my best coach, and I experienced the best moments of my career playing under him,” Adekugbe said. “I reached the World Cup because of the team and, most importantly, because of him as a coach.
“Naturally, I am very disappointed. He meant a lot to me and all the players.”
When asked, Adekugbe refused to downplay Herdman’s tactical skills and emphasized his expertise as a motivator.
“I believe we played the best football in the region under Herdman’s leadership,” Adekugbe stated.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
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