Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez is searching for a less conservative managerial style after dismissing Robin Fraser, pointing to a tactical approach that focused too often on not losing rather than winning.
The forthcoming manager will be the fourth under Hernandez’s watch. Hernandez spoke with reporters Tuesday to explain his rationale behind his decision to conduct another manager search, a day after he dismissed Fraser and his coaching staff, sportsnet.ca reported.
When asked what he is looking for in a new coach, Hernandez emphasized a need for greater adaptability, citing Fraser’s inability to change tactics when lead playmaker Djordje Mihailovic missed time this season.
GM Jason Hernandez has been called up to the TFC Legends game against Brazil legends on May 8. 🍁🇧🇷 #TFCLive He was part of the club’s treble-winning squad in 2017 and retired in 2019 as a red. He was appointed as General Manager several years later. https://t.co/9qPwriRzPn pic.twitter.com/xsl4LZlviK
“In that moment in time when we lose (Mihailovic) for an extensive period, what other ways do we have now to deploy the team,” Hernandez asked, as reported by sportsnet.ca.
“The piece that is the engine is not with us at this moment in time, so how are we adapting? Are we now setting ourselves up to still be imposing and impactful in attack? So, I would say having an ability to adapt and modify will be important.”
In general, Hernandez will be looking for a more offensively-minded manager. “Robin and his staff were brought in last year in two different phases of a product, right? Last year, the concept was about raising our floor, raising our competitiveness, galvanizing the group to come together and work together,” Hernandez said, via sportsnet.ca.
“Those are low bars but considering where we were, that’s what we needed to feel like a team once again,” Hernandez added. “I think, in many ways, they actually took some strides and actually were able to achieve some of those things.
Probably, Robin and his staff’s key and focus on that part of the game and being competitive, probably spoke to why we led the league in ties the last two years. Because, I think, too often we focused on the opponent and how to stop the opponent.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 9-13-12 |
| Eastern Conference Finish | 12th place |
| Playoff Status | Missed (Sixth straight season) |
Toronto FC missed the playoffs this season after finishing with a 9-13-12 record for a 12th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, sportsnet.ca reported.
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