Waking the Red

New head coach Bob Bradley faces four key challenges

On the Thanksgiving holiday south of the border, American-born Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley knew just what his dad would be doing: digging into his new job as the club’s head coach and sporting director.

The day before, at his introductory press conference, Bob Bradley said there was a lot of work to be done after a lost season by a team that had reached the MLS Cup final three times from 2016 and 2019.

“Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve just tried to go in without pretending I have all the answers, and to see if I can go in and take my ideas and turn it into something,” the 63year-old Bradley said Wednesday.

Here’s a look at four of the areas he’s likely to focus on:

The identity

Team president Bill Manning said Wednesday that Toronto FC has lost the “amazing” culture that developed during a successful run that included winning the 2017 championship at BMO Field. Getting that back — engaging everyone from players to staff to management — is a high priority for Bradley, who considers the ability to challenge people to improve one of his strengths. “There weren’t enough times this year where there was a real commitment of every guy throughout the game,” said the new coach, who recently parted ways with Los Angeles FC and has watched all of his son’s games.

The roster

Manning expects significant roster changes in the off-season. That process starts with assessing what they have, and what they don’t.

Designated player Alejandro Pozuelo, who had a down year marred by injuries and a personal matter, said the Reds didn’t have “enough big players” this past season. There have been rumours that the other two designated players, Jozy Altidore and Yeferson Soteldo, both still under contract, won’t be back. Solving those situations quickly will clarify what resources TFC can use to bring in fresh talent.

“The Jozy situation’s unclear,” coach Bradley said. “That’s been part of the problem. It’s been up in the air, and so it seems like it’s just a cloud that lingers. I’m sure that at some point there will be discussions, and that part has to have clarity.”

There are other significant concerns. Canadian internationals Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio, both core players, have expressed interest in moving to Europe. Successful MLS teams need players like them, one tier below the designated players but vital to making the lineup click. Finding a way to keep them happy and in the fold is a necessity to avoid a full-blown rebuild in the near future.

“It’s a reset to say to players, in some cases: You’ve had good days here, but where are you? Is this the right place for you? Are you committed?” Bradley said.

The style

Under former coach Greg Vanney, Toronto FC played a high-volume passing game, moved the ball quickly and held possession. That changed under replacement Chris Armas, who was fired midway through this past season. Bradley’s teams have been known to press high and play the ball on the ground, while creating opportunities in transition. The key for the coach will be to find the style that best suits his players, and stick with it.

That starts from the back. Toronto FC leaked 66 goals in 34 league games this year. Better defence has to be the first priority — and not just from players in the backline.

“When you lose the ball, everybody’s part of the defending,” Bradley said. “There’s a real sense of how to make it hard on the other team ... this collective mentality and collective push.”

The next wave

The Reds’ up-and-comers — including Ayo Akinola, Jacob Shaffelburg, Ralph Priso — will play a big role in Bradley’s planning. The current roster includes nine players age 24 or younger. The coach calls the emerging group “exciting,” but expects progress. It will be up to Bradley to put them in position to improve while balancing the needs of the more experienced players on the field.