Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

January 26, 2018 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - It's been 18 days since John Herdman was named coach of Canada's men's national team. The initial shock and reaction was fierce as players, fans, and media were caught of guard by Canada Soccer's announcement. In time, Canada's women's national team players took to social media to thank Herdman, and wish him well. There has not been much said from the players Herdman will now be coaching. RedNation Online caught up with three Vancouver Whitecaps FC players for their thoughts on Herdman's appointment and if they believe he's the right hire for the job. First things first, how did players find out about Canada Soccer's news drop. "I found out just like everybody else," said Russell Teibert. "It was kind of like a bomb that was just thrown out there. No-one really expected it, I know I didn't, and I remember reading the headlines, and thinking, wow." "I found out about it like everybody else," said Marcel De Jong. "I read it online. What can I say about finding out like that." "I found out about it like you guys did," Doneil Henry said. "I haven't been in the national team setup for a long time. I've just been injured. I've just focused on myself. I don't know what's going to happen in the future with the national team. I just hope for the best." While John Herdman has since spoken on air with Canada's two largest sports networks. He has yet to hold media availability with written press. A belated Canada Soccer news conference to unveil Herdman could take place any day now, or sometime before the summer solstice. Herdman has however been in touch with his new national team players. "There's been an email that's sent out to all the guys that have played with the national team or are in the running to play for the national team," Teibert explained. "It was a positive email. I think he wants to have the same success that he had on the women's side. For years now everyone has been excited about the Canadian men's national team. There's been ups, there's been downs, but it's about time for us to have some success. The country deserves it and we want to give it to them." "He sent all the players an email introducing himself and trying to explain his vision, mentality," De Jong echoed. "It was a good email to read. I'm looking forward to meeting him." "Yeah, via email," said Henry, when asked if Herdman had been in touch. "It's been one of those things. Listen he's coming in to do a job. Any coach that comes in to do a job, he's going to set principle. He's going to have an understanding of what he sees, he's going to have a vision. The players he selects, I'm sure he will want them to buy into what he wants them to do right away. I can only do my job, and focus on my club football at the moment, just continue to focus on my goals here. When it's the right time, and it's fitting for both of us, I'll be back with the national team." Much has been said about John Herdman not having any actual experience coaching or playing professional men's football. Canada Soccer is taking a risk, and hoping that Herdman can translate his success with the women's program to the men's team. While some players, not all, might have concerns about being managed by a gaffer that hasn't played professional football, the reality is that it's 2018. It's all about 'Sunny Ways'. Equality, acceptance, and change are at the forefront of society, and in sport. If John Herdman can come in and get results, improve, and help Canada qualify for the 2022 World Cup, his resume will be the last thing fans, media, and pundits question. "I don't know too much about his past," Teibert admitted. "I just know that he's coached the women's team and he's done a fantastic job with them. It doesn't matter if it's women or men. I think in anything, not just soccer, it doesn't matter if it's male or female. If you're doing a good job, you can coach." "I've never met a coach who's only worked with women," De Jong said. "We'll have to see how it is. Obviously there is a difference between men and women, but I think it's the same style of work, same business, ball, and same eleven players. Like I said, I'm looking forward to meeting him and working with him." The 42 year-old Herdman is coming in to do a job. He has Canada Soccer's full backing to do what needs to be done to help turn the men's program around. There is only one senior Canada men's national soccer team, players will have to buy in and adapt. Herdman knows how to coach, motivate, and prepare footballers. Getting consistent results, growing the depth of the program, and developing players will be vital. "He’s already proved to be a quality and passionate coach," said FC Dallas forward, Tesho Akindele. "I’m excited to work with him while we keep pushing towards our goal of qualifying for the World Cup." "He's done an incredible job with the women," Teibert said. "Hopefully he can translate that with the men's team." "He knows the country, and he knows exactly what Canada expects," De Jong replied. "I think it's good for him that he's here now. I can't wait to meet him." Canada Soccer's surprise shuffle was an unexpected tactic. The men's program needs to be better than what it is. Canadians will be watching, and hoping the penny doesn't drop.



