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Robinson, as you’d fully expect, wasn’t getting drawn into a conversation on Tuesday about personal post-season accolades, explaining, “It’s about the players.” He was willing to talk coaching philosophy a tad.

“You learn what works and what doesn’t. You learn what you’re able to do and what you’re not able to do,” Robinson said of his time at the helm of the Whitecaps, which began in the 2014 season. “Sometimes you get it right. Sometimes you don’t.

“You learn about people. I think that’s an important thing. Every person is different. You want them all to be a certain way but they’re not. They’re all individuals. You have to work with them individually and collectively.

“You have to learn from your mistakes and, when the day is gone, you have to wake up the next morning and put a smile on your face. Life is too short. That’s the way I approach my job and my coaches — I make it mandatory for them, too. I want them to have smiles on their faces every day. The same with the players. If we come into work and give it our all, the rest will take care of itself.”

Photo by DARRYL DYCK / Canadian Press files

He’s preached depth throughout his tenure in charge in Vancouver, and the Whitecaps have arguably gotten key contributions from a greater variety of players this season than at any time in their MLS history. Robinson contended Tuesday, though, that “we’re getting somewhere remotely where I want to be. We’re not there. I still think we’re two or three (players) away and that might not happen until next year.”