Problems at CF Montréal According to the Coach and Captain

Toronto – Following another worrying defeat, CF Montréal’s head coach delivered a clear-eyed but frustrated analysis. Beaten by a more aggressive and structured Toronto side, Montréal conceded their third consecutive match with at least three goals allowed, highlighting persistent defensive instability.

Speaking immediately after the game, the coach did not hide his disappointment with how his players gave in—especially on the second goal:

“Very disappointed to concede that goal, especially in that manner. There’s a lack of discipline, humility, and desire. I think of a chain of individual behaviors that proved costly. At halftime, I couldn’t find the right words to maintain the necessary focus and discipline to stay in the match.”

This introspection underlines the group’s current inability to maintain a stable defensive structure, despite an ambitious game plan.

While trying to implement a more structured and creative offensive style, the team seems to have lost its bearings during defensive transitions.

“I’m trying to multiply set-piece combinations and improve our offensive setup. But if, in return, we’re completely disorganized when we lose the ball, that becomes a major problem. We need to strike a balance between creativity and discipline without going too far in either direction.”

The coach acknowledges that he is still in a discovery phase with his squad and has yet to find the ideal balance.

On the offensive front, frustration is also evident. Montréal creates chances but often fails to finish—due to hesitation or technical errors.

“We have to be more clinical in the final third. It’s often the final pass, the final run, or the final shot that falls short. Is it hesitation, a lack of confidence, or simply poor execution? We’re still working on that.”

Despite everything, the coach expresses satisfaction with the evolution of the playing philosophy:

“I know I might sound crazy, but in terms of playing intentions and implementing the project, we’re on schedule. What surprises me is the reality on the field, especially during transition phases.”

He hopes to rely on set pieces and more structured attacking combinations but recognizes the limitations of a squad that lacks athleticism and shows mental fragility in key moments.

The captain—or possibly a key player like Julien—also shared his perspective:

“In a derby like Montréal–Toronto, you have to show up in the duels, with the right mentality. We did at times, especially in the second half, but it was too inconsistent.”

He emphasized a lack of edge in decisive areas and poor management of counterattacks:

“It’s not always a lack of effort—sometimes it’s just about timing, arriving too late in the duel.”

The player acknowledged Toronto’s superiority in managing their weaker moments and their ability to capitalize on even the slightest gap.

At a crossroads, CF Montréal continues its search for identity, balancing their ambitions for an attractive playing style with the demands of competitiveness. While the offensive project appears to be taking shape, the mental and defensive shortcomings remain glaring.

“Getting injured players back is one thing. But if the points don’t follow, it doesn’t mean much.”

With a crucial stretch of the season ahead, the team will need to quickly right the ship or risk seeing the season slip through their fingers.