Sebastian Giovinco urges changes at Toronto FC, rules out winter loan
That Toronto FC ended its 2015 campaign in such a lackluster fashion was of considerable disappointment to its star-studded cast of characters, a sentiment echoed repeatedly during the club's season-closing press conferences.
Disappointment, and also embarrassment, at losing 3-0 to their bitter rivals, the Montreal Impact, seemed to be the prevailing theme on the day. For the team's star forward, Sebastian Giovinco, 2015 offered two contradicting story lines.
It was, for the Atomic Ant, a year marked by personal milestones. Giovinco was more than pleased with his 22-goal, 16-assist haul by year's end, saying, through a translator, that winning the league's Golden Boot was the highlight of his season.
But, when keeping in mind that Toronto FC led the league in goals conceded (58 goals, matched with New York City FC and the Chicago Fire), Giovinco also urged a need for fixes at the club - a reality highlighted in the club's first-ever playoff match.
"A lot of things need to change, because at the moment, the team is not ready, and was inferior to other teams. This is shown by the numbers, by the facts. We'll try to get to the MLS Cup finals and win the league but that's not just up to me. The whole club, the whole team needs to work for it.
"The approach was the main issue, because, after 30 minutes, the game was done. It was over. The way Montreal scored was too easy. That's sad, because the city, the club, has been waiting for this playoff game for nine years. It was also sad because we didn't get a real chance to play the game.
"When I say approach, it can mean the mental approach of the players but it was in everything; the way we performed was like we weren't playing. If, after 30 minutes, everything is done, you can't fight anymore to try to come back. It means that everything was wrong."
The club will evaluate and build once more, but Giovinco's offseason will provide him an opportunity to return home for a little while.
"I will stay here for a bit and then in December, I will go back to Italy," he said.
As for a potential loan arrangement?
"No, not at the moment," he said.
Giovinco said he is looking forward to returning to Toronto FC next year, and might be a little more vocal come the 2016 season, too.
"My English is better, but I'm studying to improve," Giovinco said, in English, for the first time. He was asked if he's ready to answer questions in a new language:
"Maybe next year!" he answered, flashing his signature smile.