VANCOUVER – Carl Robinson didn’t mean it as a dig towards Toronto FC, or as some bold and brash indictment.
But there was no mistaking the intention of the Vancouver coach when he subtly peppered the phrase “big money” in reference to TFC when speaking to reporters at the Whitecaps’ final practice ahead of Saturday’s home match vs Toronto.
He wanted to underline how the Whitecaps do things differently than TFC.
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Toronto’s main strength comes in the form of its three marquee Designated Players in Michael Bradley, and newcomers Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore. The TFC trio are also among the three highest-paid players in all of Major League Soccer, yet a further reminder of the financial largess of MLSE and how it hasn’t been afraid to throw around some big money in hopes of finally making this team a playoff contender.
The Whitecaps also haven’t been afraid to spend money, as they too have three designated players—Pedro Morales, Matias Laba and newcomer Octavio Rivero. But the collective salaries of Vancouver’s three DPs don’t even equal Bradley’s contract with TFC.
Instead, Robinson is focused on blending his crop of many youngsters (such as Kekuta Manneh and Sam Adekugbe) into the first team with his collection of veterans and DPs.
“They have some fantastic players, some big-money signings,” Robinson said of TFC’s roster ahead of Saturday’s match. “I’ve got young players who are on less money but are on my team to make a difference. It’s going to be a very interesting game.
“Their (three DPs) make them tick, so if we can stop them then it’s down to them to stop my three guys and my other seven players. We have good balance throughout our team at the moment.”
Asked about the nature of the rivalry between the two clubs, Robinson explained, “We have two different philosophies.”
“Me, as the manager of this football club, I like to develop youth players and give youth players an opportunity. I’m not saying Toronto doesn’t do that. Toronto have shown over the last few years that they’ve spent a lot of money,” Robinson said.
“My owners have spent a lot of money as well… but when you’re talking about (TFC’s DPs) making six million and eight million dollars, that’s more than my DPs and my entire salary cap combined.”
And we could see how the two philosophies play out against one another during this weekend’s contest at BC Place
“It’s 11 vs 11 (on Saturday) so it really doesn’t matter what you’re earning. It’s about how you perform on the day, and that’s what my team will be ready for,” Robinson promised.
Robinson’s youth movement paid off dividends in 2014 when the Whitecaps finished fifth in the Western Conference to clinch its second MLS playoff berth in his first season at the helm.
Sometimes giving his young players a chance worked. Sometimes it didn’t. But the key, according to Robinson, was being frank in his dealings with them.
“I will upset players who aren’t in the (gameday roster) but you deal with it. Players might not like it but if you’re honest with them they’ll respect it. That’s what I do with my group of players, which is why we dragged ourselves into the playoffs last year—because of the respect I have for them and the respect they have for me,” Robinson explained.
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In a one-on-one conversation with Sportsnet, Robinson explained his commitment to youth is tied to his long-term vision for the future. He wants to build a team that can be competitive over the next five years, and he feels the only way to do that is to go with youth.
“You have to give these guys a chance. By giving them experience, you hope to build a core group that will play together and blossom together over time. We want long-term success, not short-term gains,” Robinson said.
One young player that Robinson is very keen on is Deybi Flores, an 18-year-old midfielder on loan from Honduran club Motagua. Robinson described Flores, currently away with Honduras’ under-20 team, as a classic box-to-box midfielder who combines the best qualities of Laba and fellow Whitecap midfielder Gershon Koffie.
Robinson expects big things from Flores.
“There will be opportunities for him. We have an option to buy him (at the end of the loan). I’m safeguarding the club because I think he can go on to become a top, top player in MLS,” Robinson stated.
Check back with Sportsnet.ca throughout the weekend as John Molinaro is in Vancouver and will file a number of reports before and after Saturday’s game Whitecaps-TFC match.
