Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez looks to be searching for a less conservative managerial style for his team.
A day after he dismissed Robin Fraser and his coaching staff, Hernandez spoke with reporters to explain his rationale behind his decision to conduct another manager search.
"My takeaway was too often that we approached the game not to lose versus to win," Hernandez said Tuesday.
The forthcoming manager will be the fourth under Hernandez's watch.
When asked what he's 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.
"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. "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, it looks like 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. "Those are low bars but considering where we were, that's what we needed to feel like a team once again.
"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."
TFC missed the playoffs this season for the sixth straight season after a 9-13-12 record for a 12th-place finish in the Eastern Conference.
