Mauro Biello is about to participate in a dance whose choreography he knows very well. And he has just obtained a reprieve to properly prepare for his hearing.
As with the Impact in 2015, Biello must prove himself as interim head coach, this time with the Canadian men’s soccer team. The goal of the game: remove the interim label and succeed John Herdman in due form.
“I spoke with [the federation], explained the Bleu-blanc-noir legend on the phone with La Presse. I expressed that I would like to be a candidate. And they are okay with that. »
Canada Soccer announced Wednesday that the search for a new head coach will not take place until the position of general secretary of the organization is filled. In this regard, the organization is talking about an appointment “by the end of the year”.
Biello will therefore be able to stay in his position, at least, until January 2024. Until then, his first test on the touchlines will take place during a crucial friendly match against a revolving Japan, on October 13 .
“I have this chance now to show what I can do with the group,” underlines the former Quebec striker. Yes, it’s short term, but still, I try to take advantage of it. There are tough games coming up, and important games for us in 2024.”
Biello welcomes this challenge “with confidence”. He says he knows the group of players well, having been Herdman’s assistant since 2018. And his experience with the Impact could be useful to him. Remember that he was called in as interim head of the team after the dismissal of Frank Klopas in August 2015. Three months later, the position was officially his.
Since his partial appointment last August, Biello has contacted the team’s leaders.
“It was important for me to listen and get some feedback. But I also wanted to reassure them, to tell them that I was going to provide continuity. »
But Biello isn’t formed in the same mold as Herdman either.
“Of course each coach has his own way of working. I’m different, I’ll bring my ideas. There will be this continuity, but with certain variables that I can bring to adjust, to improve, to push this team forward. »
Currently, Jason DeVos, former Canadian international, holds the position of general secretary, also on an interim basis. The international organizational consultancy company Korn Ferry has been chosen to lead the search process for the future holder of the most important operational position in the federation.
And there will be work to do for the candidate who is chosen. Canada Soccer’s financial woes have already been well documented, and their impacts were felt until last week. Nations met to play friendly matches and qualifying matches around the world.
But Canada did not have the means to organize one of these international clashes. His players therefore remained in their respective clubs, without having the chance to train together with their new coach.
“When you are a coach, you would like to work with the group,” agrees Mauro Biello. It’s normal. Unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky. And we know that there are certain problems in the organization currently. But I also know that there are people working very hard to try to resolve this situation. »
His first challenge will be significant. Canada will face Japan on October 13. We all remember the superb performance that the Blue Samurai offered at the World Cup in Qatar last winter. Their star has only shined brighter since then. In particular, they beat Germany again, 4-1 this time, after the 2-1 at the World Cup.
“Japan has just scored 18 goals in its last 4 games,” Biello recalls with a laugh. He just beat Germany in their country. »
He cites Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo and Junya Ito as players to keep an eye on. He could have named several others.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what we want, and that’s what the players wanted. Try to have high-level matches, because it is in these matches that we will learn. […] I will use this camp in Japan, and this match, to get answers, especially on the key players. »
Next will be the November international window, which Biello describes as “extremely important”. Canada will participate in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals on the 16th and 20th of the month.
But for now, Mauro Biello will continue his work in Montreal, as he has done since his hiring at Canada Soccer.
“I’m very proud,” he says of the opportunity he has today. It is an honour for me. I know I’m an interim head coach, but for me, it’s the opportunity to work with a group that is extraordinary. »
Biello was asked if he really wishes John Herdman success in Toronto, who is now trying his luck with his old club’s arch-rival.
“I have to thank John because it’s thanks to him if I’m here today,” he replies with his trademark class. He was the one who hired me. I know he will do a good job with Toronto. I wish him good luck. »
