May 12, 2008 MLS Toronto FC John Carver comments on undefeated streak (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
05/12/2008 2:12PM
Carver likes what he sees from squad
Four-game run has Toronto FC coach excited
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC coach John Carver thinks the break from action last weekend came at the right time for his side. TFC face Columbus Crew at BMO Field on Saturday (kick off 4:00 p.m. live on CBC) in the first of five games in a two week period. Carver put the team through an intensive training session on Monday, and tells TorontoFC.ca he was happy to have the weekend off despite his team being on a four game unbeaten run.
"When we started the run at home, I said that it was a concern to me to play five games at home on the bounce," said Carver. "You get a little bit complacent, and the fans start expecting you to do well. So I think the break came at the right time. We'd had three home games and the fans had been fantastic. They've now definitely been refreshed after having a couple of weeks off, so everybody will be raring to go."
"I know the lads are up for it. The players are all raring to go, and I certainly am after having a little break. We're all really looking forward to a game against a team who we should have got something from on the first game of the season." TFC opened the campaign at Columbus and went down 2-0.
Before the end of May, Toronto have four league games and the first game in the Canadian Qualifying Tournament for the CONCACAF Champions League in Montreal (May 27), but Carver doesn't expect the busy schedule to be a problem for his team. "For whatever reason there are breaks from matches and then you get matches piled in, but that happens around the world," explained Carver. "I've experienced that with European games and Champions League games. You end up playing three games in a week but you just have to get on with it. You can't make excuses because everyone is in the same situation, and that's what the squad is for."
"I'm in the game of playing my best team when I can play my best team. I won't rest anybody, I won't leave anybody out unless I really need to. I'll play my strongest team and then when I need to bring players in, they'll be fit enough and ready to step into people's shoes."
Former Canadian international Paul Peschisolido was at BMO Field on Monday. The 36 year old striker is back home for a few weeks, and was invited to train with TFC by Carver. "I worked with Paul at Luton Town and got on really well with him," said Carver. "He was unfortunate because he picked up a few injuries when he was there and so he didn't get chance to play much. When Paul said he was coming over I told him to get his kit on, train with us and spend some time with us while he's here. That's basically what he's doing." When asked if Peschisolido could sign for TFC, Carver responded: "He's just training with us, but you can never say never."
After Monday's training session, John Carver commented on David Beckham's inclusion in the England squad for games against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. If the midfielder is involved in both games for his country, he will miss L.A. Galaxy's visit to Toronto on May 31. "It would be great for the fans to see him, but great for us if he's not playing against us," said Carver. "When we played in Los Angeles, I thought he was by far their best player, along with Landon Donovan. So it would be disappointing for the fans, but not for me."
International call-ups will affect all MLS teams over the next few months, and Carver is well aware of the challenge that will present. "It hurts everybody, including us. That's why we've tried to bring in players so that we have a squad that can deal with players going away for international games. It's the same for everybody. If we want the best players to be available all the time, then the league might have to look at the way the schedule is done."
Toronto FC will train at BMO Field again on Tuesday as they continue to prepare for Saturday's game at home to Columbus Crew, kick off 4:00 p.m. live on CBC.
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