Time for CSA to show they are professional

[An Observer]

The only positive I can see coming out of this debacle in the first 3 matches of qualifying is that it will be the first test of the new CSA leadership. If they pass, maybe there is hope for the future. If they don't, then they will need to go themselves.

We have gone into this round of qualifying in a tough group for sure. So it is to be expected that we may not have 9 points or even 6 points after 3 matches. However, we have a side that under Yallop was beginning to blossom and play some good possession based football. When he resigned, Hart built on this during last years World Cup where we completely dominated sides like Costa Rica and Guatemala. And if but for a bad offside call, probably would have beaten a good US side in the semi-final.

The expectation heading into this round was high as we have the best side at least since the 1986 World Cup . To be effectively out after 3 of 6 matches in only the semi-final round qualifying is a pathetic result, which is compounded by the poor display of the team in those 3 matches. It is clear that the manager is not getting the best from his players as the quality and depth on this side is impressive. If the CSA is to be taken seriously about the importance it places on world cup qualifying, then you have to expect excellence from the men's national team coach. It is clear that he has failed to deliver that in qualifying which is not simply a blip on his resume as he failed to deliver it at last year's U20s World Cup. We can all debate player selection or tactics but this misses the point, the team has played far below par and this means the coach is not getting the best from his players and must go. The test is qualifying and Mitchel has failed this miserably.

Now the General Secretary of the CSA Peter Montopoli did not hire Mitchell and was not on record as saying he wanted a "Canadian coach". So he is cleaning up someone else's mess. But here is his opportunity to demonstrate he has the skills and fortitude to run the CSA and make the right decision at the right time. Mitchell must go now, and (likely) Hart must replace him for the interim until we can look to hire a (foreign) coach after a thorough search (likely next year). No self-respecting soccer nation would accept such failure from its manager. If Mitchell does not go, then Peter you have demonstrated to the Canadian soccer community that you must go. And the next cry will not be for Mitchell's head, but for yours!

There are no excuses. Keeping Mitchell will not keep alive a faint hope of still qualifying. He has failed, the players are demoralised and frustrated, and the only faint possibility of qualifying is to bring in a breath of fresh air that may inspire the players forward.

Do the right thing Peter...and do it quickly.

[Calgary Boomer]

"we have a side that under Yallop was beginning to blossom and play some good possession based football."

What a complete and utter load of horse****. And if you want to compare the Gold Cup with World Cup qualification, and the approach and resourses CONCACAF nations take, then you're as thick as all the other observers who think it's always the coach and not the quality of players we have to choose from.

[gator]

I had soured on Yallop as well, but I agree with Observer that we were starting to play some good possesion football under him! Yes Boomer maybe we have overestimated the quality of our players but you are being naive if you think Mitchell and his tactics aren't a large part of the problem! He never should have been hired in the first place!

[loyola]

quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer

"we have a side that under Yallop was beginning to blossom and play some good possession based football."

What a complete and utter load of horse****. And if you want to compare the Gold Cup with World Cup qualification, and the approach and resourses CONCACAF nations take, then you're as thick as all the other observers who think it's always the coach and not the quality of players we have to choose from.

How come Hart was able to play possession football against the like of CR and Guatemala first teams and Mitchell struggles to do the same against Honduras and Jamaica?

I know the GC is different but it's still a pretty competitive tournament.

Our midfield players aren't moving well off the ball and that's something that was very apparent in the last 2 games.

I agree with the fact that our players needs to take the blame but you can't say that our roster wasn't quality compare to Jamaica and Honduras (of course Mexico has better quality than us).

[jeffymac1971]

Let's revive the SACK THE CSA Movement!.

[redhat]

We need to:

1) let go of Dale Mitchell

2) let Stephen Hart take over and salvage what's left of this campaign

3) start the search for a new coach now

Come on CSA, this will save some face for you. And maybe, get a better chance at

a result. Or do you have to bring the issue in front of a committee?

[jagum]

I remember the team Canada playing in Maracaibo against Venezuela one year ago. The team was amaizing and very offensive.... How was the coach at that time? Hart?

The last coach we have in Venezuela Richard Paez resigned after the spectators in San Cristobal yelled him " FUERA FUERA" during the match we won against Bolivia 5 -3

[VPjr]

An Observer....it's not Montopoli's decision to fire Mitchell. Only the Board can make that decision.

[Daniel]

quote:Originally posted by VPjr

An Observer....it's not Montopoli's decision to fire Mitchell. Only the Board can make that decision.

And we all know how fast boards work...

"See with his secretary if can attend a meeting today? No? Next opening in 2 months? Ok, schedule it then".

[Free kick]

quote:Originally posted by VPjr

An Observer....it's not Montopoli's decision to fire Mitchell. Only the Board can make that decision.

I thought that the board had to rubber stamp a hiring of new coach. But to fire a coach as well? are you sure about that? I'm willing to bet that that is not the case. How long did it take to fire Osieck?

What we are looking here is for a chance to get Hart ( a guy who is already on the payroll) in there instead of Mitchell.

[Free kick]

quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer

who think it's always the coach and not the quality of players we have to choose from.

I agree entirely. But you have to act and do something to shake things up. Sure, in the long run, it makes no difference. But we are going nowhere as it is in this qualifying campaign. There is no magical solution in the way of new call ups. There is nobody of any quality that you can call up that will make a difference.

So you either stay the course and do nothing . Or you can do something that might give a short term boost of momentum. And that only thing is to change the coach before the next three games. To do nothing is basically saying that you are throwing in the towel completely.