Article content continued

“It is when you get the full measure of how a player will react in certain situations,” he said.

For Zambrano, the first few months at the helm have been hectic but enjoyable. He still calls the chance to help develop soccer in Canada a “dream job.”

“There are challenges obviously that come with a new set of circumstances but that makes it all the more rewarding once you get the job done,” he said. “I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. No job at this level is easy especially when you have to affect positively on so many different fronts. It’s not just the senior team but the whole mindset of how Canada is preparing for big tournaments and where the resources are placed and where the priorities lie.”

Zambrano noted he has inherited “seven projects” with which he had little to do with in terms of planning or resource allocation. The Gold Cup is the fourth, with an under-15 tournament and games featuring the under-20 and senior teams (against Jamaica in September) to come.

As for captain, Zambrano said Bernier will likely lead the team. The 37-year-old Montreal Impact midfielder is eager to take the field.

“Canada, this group wants to show what it’s about,” said Bernier, who has 54 caps to his credit. “We have a lot of young players also who want to show that they’re up-and-coming and that they’re the future of Canada.

“And me myself and certain other veterans want to take advantage of maybe the last moments with the national team and help them out so this group continues with some confidence and strength. This Gold Cup could be a good start to Octavio’s reign and what these younger players will be looking forward to in the future.”

The top two teams in each of the three groups and the two best third-place sides advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, which runs through July 26.