April 30, 2008 MLS Toronto FC coach Carver says NYRB will be toughest game (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
04/30/2008 10:56AM
Carver: This is the toughest test so far
Toronto FC coach calls upcoming match vs. Red Bulls a tough test
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC coach John Carver believes Thursday night's showdown with New York Red Bulls will be his team's toughest test of the season so far. TFC look to extend the club record winning streak to four games and remain unbeaten at BMO Field this season. "We have to go into the game with the same attitude we have had in the last few games," said Carver. "We haven't taken our foot off the pedal. The players can't afford to switch off because as soon as they do, I'll see that, and somebody else will take their place."
After showing the players the video nasty following the defeat at D.C.United earlier this month, Carver spent time on Tuesday going through the win over the Wizards. "When it went wrong against D.C. United we had a half hour video and went over the bad things so that we could all see where it went wrong and learn from it. It's important to do the same thing when it goes well, so we all watched the video on Tuesday. The players need to see exactly what it is that we are doing well so they are better aware of the things we need to keep doing."
New York Red Bulls are 2-1-1 so far this season. They are unbeaten in three home games, but lost on the road at FC Dallas. The Red Bulls have been short on numbers due to early season injuries, but Carver is well aware of the threat they will pose. "They've got a very good side. They play a different way and they're well organized with a very good coach. They had a good result against San Jose and dominated the game. We're in for a big game, probably our toughest game of the season so far," he said.
Juan Pablo Angel has missed the last two games through injury but could return to partner Jozy Altidore in the New York attack. "Angel is different type of striker to anything else I have seen in the league," said Carver. "His all round game is very good and he's a natural goalscorer. He's good with his back to play and very good in the air. I liked him when he was at Aston Villa and he's a very good player in this league."
"They've got quality in the team, and they've got a threat in the right areas. That's what we've tried to build on this season. In Angel and Altidore they've got a pairing of a guy who's got bags of experience, and one of the best young strikers in the league. They're both very dangerous because they have different attributes. Altidore has great pace and great strength. He's not as much of a natural goalscorer as Angel but he's learning the game and will get better as time goes on," said Carver.
Carver also knows New York will be determined to end the Reds winning streak. "When you're going into a game having won three games on the bounce, other teams want to beat you and want to stop that run. Sometimes you can get a bit complacent, but that's why it's my job to make sure we go into the game mentally and physically prepared so that we can continue this run. We can't get carried away with the start. It's been a great start but we're looking to build something over a period of time and the opportunity to do that is one of the biggest reasons I came here. I have been surprised at how quickly we've improved, but we have been able to add quality and strengthen the side very quickly so it shouldn't be too surprising."
After the New York game, TFC's next game isn't until May 17, but Carver wants the hard work to continue. "If we get a good result it doesn't mean we'll down tools because we don't play again for a couple of weeks. We'll give the boys some days off but we'll be straight back to training and working just as hard as we have been. There will be no let up."
Carver indicated that he is likely to name an unchanged side. "If I feel that somebody needs a rest, I'll decide that, but I'm not going to tinker with the team. Every game we play in every competition I will play the side that I think is the best side to win the game. It's my job to make sure the players are happy. It's down to my man management skills but players have to understand that everybody is part of this. That is the spirit that we want to generate here."
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