“We need to get better.”
Michael Bradley held court in front of a throng of reporters at the KIA Training Ground on Friday.
The American midfielder discussed a number of subjects, including the procedure to repair nerve damage in his foot, the 2014 campaign, where the club needs to improve and his outlook going forward.
One thing you will not get from Bradley is empty platitudes. When asked to assess the season, one that saw Toronto FC fail to make the playoffs, he was blunt.
"We certainly realize we have to get better, improve and find the right ways to make ourselves better," Bradley said.
“That’s going to include bringing in new players and that’s going to include certain guys moving on. But that’s sports.”
TFC found themselves in a playoff position at the end of August. An injury to Jermain Defoe and a change at head coach did not make matters easy on the Reds, but their form to conclude the season wasn’t good enough.
That falls on the players according to Bradley, who believes the core of the club needs to be insulated by leaders with the pedigree needed to be a successful soccer club.
“We need to find a way to get the right sorts of players in and the right sorts of men in,” continued the U.S. international.
“We need more quality, who in a football sense can add something but we also need more guys with personality, more leaders, more competitors, more men."
These were words from a player that knows what it takes to win. Whether in Europe, internationally or North America.
Bradley’s tone was measured. By no means does he want the revolving door that has plagued TFC in the past to continue spinning. The current core must be built around, not paved over.
That core begins at the top with head coach Greg Vanney.
Vanney and Bradley held lengthy conversations towards the end of the season, whether it was while waiting for a plane out of Pearson or in a hotel lobby in New England. The head coach and the club’s talisman are on the same page.
“With Greg here there is an understanding of what we are about and how things need to be better,” Bradley said.
The quick fix is an appealing option, especially with the club’s playoff drought standing at eight years, but a quick glance around the league proves that isn’t the best path to success. TFC spent big last winter, but that doesn’t mean a similar approach needs to be taken again.
While players with a certain skillset, athletes that possess that unique blend of mental and physical attributes, do need to be brought in, starting over again is a fool’s errand.
“Don't misunderstand me, in no way does this team need to be blown up,” Bradley stated. “Things didn't go the way any of us hoped this year. We weren't good enough but to stand the test of time every part of what we do here has to be better. That is the tone and the mentality we have every day."
The 27-year-old is expected to be off crutches next week after getting stitches removed from his left foot and will be ready to go when pre-season rolls around.
Perhaps more importantly, Bradley his wholly committed to the task at hand: bringing a winner to this city.
“My job is to be a leader. On the field or off the field and help in any possible way to push this club forward.
“When I first came here I talked about being ready to give everything I had to help turn this club into something special. That’s what I’m about everyday.”
