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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Whitecaps FC are in a precarious juncture of the season. The Caps have had a disappointing campaign thus far, and at 9-9-7, there is a strong possibility Vancouver will miss out on the 2018 MLS playoffs. Despite being only 3 points out of the 6th and final western conference playoff spot. It seems like a Mount Everest like gap for Coach Carl Robinson, his assistants, and his assembled squad of players.
Vancouver has not shown the form that helped them finish in 3rd place in the west last season. The Caps have allowed 49 goals against, while scoring 40 goals themselves. Vancouver has just two clean sheets in MLS play, and they've had large stretches where they haven't been able to score, they've left the back door wide open, and most they've seen far too many red cards, and far too many lopsided score-lines.
The ship looks like it's going to sink, the question of the manager's future, as well as his assistants has popped up. Several reports earlier this month suggested that Assistant Coaches Martyn Pert, and Gordon Forrest would not have their contracts renewed for the 2019 season. If that is to be true, where does that leave Coach Carl Robinson?
"It doesn't affect my ability whatsoever." Robinson told RedNation Online following training on Tuesday. "You see me, and my guys, we're working on the field. We're trying to prepare for every game possible. We've very lucky to be in the game, we know that. We enjoy being in the game. I've been in it for 25 years, and seen all sorts of things during that time. Everyday I go out, I say to them guys, smile. I say to my players, smile. Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't. It doesn't affect us one bit."
If Robinson's assistants aren't coming back that surely must leave a cloud of uncertainty over the Caps gaffer? Nobody wants to be a 'Lame Duck', but that could very well be the position Robinson is in. With 9 matches left to go, making the playoffs is in serious doubt.
As cool as a Welsh cucumber, Robinson isn't feeling pressure as fans, and media circle.
"No, not at all." Robinson quickly answered. "I enjoy waking up every morning with my family, and I enjoy coming to work everyday. I'm very lucky to be in this position."
Vancouver will play five home matches, and four matches away from B.C. Place before the season concludes on Sunday, October 28. It all starts with a home and home series with the bottom of the table, San Jose Earthquakes. The 3-13-8 won't be going to the playoffs, but they could play an important role as a western conference playoff spoiler.
Whitecaps FC can't afford to be rattled by the Quakes on Saturday. Vancouver needs every point they can grab. It's imperative that the Caps come away with all six points vs San Jose.
"I don't know if it's must win or not," Centre-back, Aaron Maund said, about playing San Jose. "I think it's very important that we win. Must win seems like a little bit much. Not a lot of games left, but a decent amount of games left. I think our mindset is win. We're trying to win all these game in this final stretch and finish strong going into the playoffs. Our mindset is playoffs, and once that happens, then it is win."
Whitecaps FC left-back, Marcel de Jong knows that it's crunch time. While he isn't about to take the San Jose Earthquakes lightly, he knows that the time is now, to win games.
Must win games?
"I would think so, yeah." de Jong said.
As positive as he can be, Robinson is focused on the task at hand. He doesn't let outside noise take over. As long as he is the Manager of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he plans to come to work everyday, 'punch' his ticket and manage his team as best as he can.
The 41 year-old, Robinson, is in a unique position of being a manager of a professional MLS team. He has been at the helm of Vancouver Whitecaps FC since December 2013.
"Listen, we're no different to any other team in this league." Robinson said. "We have to try and focus one game at a time. We were positive with our last two away performances in the league, so we've got to go there full of confidence. We know that they've got good players. We know that they've probably had an unfortunate year, up and down. It's going to be a very difficult game for us. We're under no illusions, but it's a game we believe we can firmly go and win."
There will not be any illusions if Whitecaps FC fail to make the playoffs after advancing to the MLS western conference quarter-finals a season ago. Even if Vancouver does make it to the MLS playoffs, the general feeling pertains that it will have to be an MLS Cup or bust for Robinson to keep his job.
Speaking to TSN 1040 Radio on Tuesday afternoon, Vancouver Whitecaps FC President, Bobby Lenarduzzi was asked about Robinson's future.
Do Whitecaps FC have the components, and makeup to be an MLS playoff bound team?
Boston, Massachusetts native, Aaron Maund, had no fumble with his answer.
"One hundred percent, there's no doubt in my mind." Maund said.
Success is often measured by playoff appearances, trophies, and the feeling that a club is taking the necessary steps to grow, develop, and progress. If Whitecaps FC miss the MLS playoffs, it will be another season of one step forward, and two steps back.
It's always easier to make a managerial move as opposed to transferring out an entire squad of players. Carl Robinson will likely be the one who is without a life raft.
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