Six consecutive defeats. It is the panorama that was found Javier Perez when Toronto FC decided to appoint him interim coach. The Spaniard replaced Chris Armas and faced his first big opportunity in North America, where he has a long history since He arrived in 2007 from the Real Madrid quarry: After six years in the white club's bases, Pérez crossed the pond to lead the United States Under-18 team, a position he combined with that of assistant in the Under-20 and in the absolute, with which he participated in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Later, he spent four years in New York City, his season prior to Toronto.
Javier Pérez arrived in Canada last February and, already in July, took the reins of Toronto without knowing if his last game would also be his last. “All I know is that we have to do a good performance. After that we will see,” he acknowledged before defeating New England Revolution 2-3. The triumph gave him credit and, except for surprise, he will continue to lead the 'reds' until the end of the season. “He gets on really well with each of us on and off the pitch. He says, 'I need this from you. Can you do it?' He is a very patient guy. When we play, we all know what we have to do. I think he is doing a great job, “revealed the American Marky Delgado, one of his fixed at 11.
Javier Pérez has already managed Toronto as head coach four times and he still does not know defeat. It has merit. The team came from six consecutive failures and, after the arrival of the Spaniard, it has reaped two victories (NE Revolution and Chicago Fire) and two draws (NY Red Bulls and Orlando City). And all without Lawrence, Zavaleta, Laryea or Osorio, who are disputing the gold Cup with their respective selections. “We must seek victory in each and every one of the games that remain until the end of the season,” warned Javier Pérez in his first days as Toronto coach, who has a UEFA Pro license and is also a doctor in Sports Sciences from the University of Leon.
Valladolid has a great advantage: he has known many of his footballers for almost a decade. He directed Delgado in the United States Youth team and coincided with Bradley and Altidore, two of the heavyweights in the locker room, in the senior team. “It is something that, as a coach, I must take advantage of,” said Javier Pérez, forced to, at least, bring Toronto FC closer to the play-off positions for the MLS Cup. After 15 games played and with eight still ahead , the 'reds' occupy the 11th position in the Eastern Conference and are nine points behind the seventh place. They will fight. And they will do it accompanied by their fans because, after several months settled in the United States due to travel restrictions due to the pandemic, they were able to return to Toronto and play as locals in their stadium, the BMO Field. Good news never comes alone.