What does Toronto FC head coach Predrag (Preki) Radosavljevic have in common with Vancouver Whitecaps counterpart Teitur Thordarson?
Well, for one thing, he does not smile very much - at least not on the sidelines.
Both coaches are similar that way. They are competitive, intense and they set high standards. Not just for players but for themselves also.
Consider another similarity when it comes to high expectations. Both coaches, without fuss, have released experienced Canadian international players from their squads.
In 2008, Thordarson cut loose Jeff Clarke, Steve Kindell, and Alfredo Valente. Within a few months of signing a contract at TFC, Preki jettisoned Canadian internationals Ali Gerba (now with the Montreal Impact) and Adrian Serioux (now with the Houston Dynamo).
The common thread is that both coaches are not afraid to make tough decisions when it comes to Canadian players who do not meet their high demands. In particular, they both adhere to strict guidelines for the technical, psychological and physical aspects of the game.
The ripple effect on young Canadian soccer players is what is really important here.
Word travels fast among youth coaches, players and administrators, and words can influence positively the training behaviours of young players who want to compete at the professional level. Any slackness or sloth will be removed at the first hurdle.
Positive results by both professional clubs outline the importance of the high expectations set by their coaches. But they also add credibility to the methodology of their approach.
Consider: Under Thordarson, the Whitecaps have consistently been a championship-contending team, winning the United Soccer Leagues First Division title in 2008. Under the guidance of Preki, TFC is within reach of the Major League Soccer postseason and an unprecedented trip to the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.
What is happening at Toronto FC and the Whitecaps is very positive for Canadian soccer. It highlights the importance of having an open mind to a foreign perspective on how we coach and evaluate our elite players.
Both Preki and Teitur Thordarson have already proven to be important additions to the Canadian soccer landscape.
Time to include Bunbury
Canadian men's coach Stephen Hart should include Teal Bunbury on the national team for Canada's exhibition game against Peru on Sept. 4 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Bunbury plays professionally for the Kansas City Wizards of MLS and has already suited up for Canada at the under-17 and under-20 youth team levels.
While he was born in Hamilton - at the time his father was playing with the Hamilton Steelers of the old Canadian Soccer League - he has spent most of his life living away from Canada, mostly in the United States. His mother is American.
While many fans and coaches believe Bunbury will eventually play for Canada, Hart shouldn't dawdle in inviting the forward back home. The U.S. national team has apparently shown interest in him and some say Bunbury is considering wearing the stars and stripes.
This leaves Hart with just one option. Invite Bunbury for the Peru game.
His acceptance to the Peru game invitation would make his ultimate decision to choose the United States over Canada that much more difficult. It would also give the fans and media an opportunity to contribute positively to the lobbying for his talents.
In many areas it has already happened, with friendly references to him as being Canadian.
After scoring the winner against Toronto FC last Saturday and after some positive reviews from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, can Hart really afford to be complacent with Bunbury?
Any opportunity of securing a national team player should be taken.
Special to The Globe and Mail