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Orlando's Kaka: Most important area to improve 'is our mentality'

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando City captain Kaka has one year remaining on his MLS contract and the Brazilian was rather clear that he wants more from teammates and club staff next season.

Kaka, once among the world elite and named the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year, endured a dogged 2016 as injuries plagued his personal season and poor form that of his team, ultimately keeping the Lions out of the postseason.

A coaching change saw Jason Kreis take over from Adrian Heath, and many more changes are expected for the team after surviving its sophomore slump, and Kaka has some high expectations about what Orlando will look like in 2017.

"The most important thing we need to change for next season is our mentality,” Kaka said, according to Simon Veness from MLSsoccer.com. "We need to have a winning mentality and this will change a lot of things. It is different when I just want to win and I can sacrifice something for winning.

"This is what I expect for the next season, for the players, for the staff, that we really want to sacrifice something (to reach) our targets."

Kaka has been the star at a number of clubs, including AC Milan and Real Madrid, while also guiding his native Brazil through the turn of the decade. This season, Kaka has eight goals and eight assists in 23 appearances.

His experience is invaluable for Orlando, and Kaka has a few ideas about what needs to be done for his side to find success next season.

"In my opinion, the club needs to set some targets for the team, and the coach needs to put some goals and some inside competition," Kaka explained. "I think it’s fair, and when it is fair competition it is very good for everybody, to put some pressure on us. This is something we need to improve, to get better for the next season, and challenge us to do better."

Kaka added: "In these last few games, I think Jason showed us a little of what he wants and what he expects for next season.

"Next season we have to get to the playoffs, because to stay out and be watching the other teams playing, it is very hard for me.

"For now, this is a period where we are going to have to wait."

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