“Yes, there will be a transition period. But not now. »
According to Mauro Biello, we still have to wait a little before introducing new faces into the Canadian team and preparing them for the 2026 World Cup. This is why Mathieu Choinière, Joel Waterman and other up-and-coming candidates were not called up for the “very important” November international window.
Samuel Piette is there. This is because Canada will compete, against Jamaica in Kingston and Toronto on November 17 and 21, not only for its place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League, but also for its qualification for the Copa América, which will be held in the United States in summer 2024.
These matches will be crucial, therefore. And Biello believes he will need a team “that has lived through those moments, that has some experience in that type of match, with that pressure to win.”
What’s more, CF Montreal’s early end to the season worked to Choinière’s disadvantage. The interim coach of Canada chose to go with midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, who did not have a season as colorful as that of the Quebecer. But Kaye has the merit of still being active and playing important games in the playoffs with the New England Revolution.
“Mathieu was injured leaving the match in Japan,” he explains. He did not play the last match with Montreal. And unfortunately, they stopped group training. […] For me, it was important not to have too many players who are not in rhythm, who have not played for five, six weeks. »
“That doesn’t mean Mathieu won’t be here in the future. He is a player that we follow very closely. […] There will be opportunities for him next year, that’s for sure. »
The summons of Kaye, Jonathan Osorio and Lucas Cavallini, in particular, made several people react. Both of these players had an up-and-down 2023, but still get a coveted call-up. We are far from a post-John Herdman revolution, detractors grumble on social networks.
Milan Borjan is another who will soon have to give way to Maxime Crépeau or Dayne St. Clair in front of the Canadian net. But he also retains his place here. The famous “fraternity” which qualified the maple leaf for the 2022 World Cup, and which went to Qatar, will therefore still have its say in the success of the Reds.
“We are in a delicate situation of transition,” emphasizes Biello. Transitions happen gradually. You can’t just cut a player saying he’s too old or too young. During this period, young people must prove that they are better and ready to take on this role. It’s a process. »
Biello says he is “prioritizing his gaze” towards these two-legged matches in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. Canada will advance to the semi-finals – and the Copa América – if it wins on total goals after both matches.
Then, and if Biello is confirmed in his position in 2024, the experiments will come.
But for now, the coach has access to health and comprehensive training. He will even be able to count on the return of Stephen Eustáquio, his ace in midfield who is having very good times with FC Porto. Eustáquio had narrowly missed the rally in Japan, injured. The speedy winger Tajon Buchanan will also be there after his absence in Japan.
We mentioned it briefly above: yes, Mauro Biello is still auditioning for the head coaching position. His first match at the helm of the team was complicated. Both in terms of the result – a 4-1 defeat against Japan – and in the organization of the meeting. He had only had a day and a half of training camp with his players, after a long trip to Asia. Difficult to judge his skills on this.
This time he will have a little more time with his men. Is he still thinking about his future with the selection?
“I’m in this position to do a job,” agrees the Impact legend. I have selected players who I think will help us win and qualify. In the end, that’s my job. »