More goals scored, fewer goals allowed and a philosophy toward the beautiful game that brings with it a pledge to compete and entertain.
This is how Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Martin Rennie defines success.
For me right now its basically every time we step on the field for us to be competitive and for us to put on a show every time so that our players realize that each game weve got a chance to win, he said Tuesday after returning to Vancouver following team training in Florida and a pre-season record of five wins and three draws.
The main expectation I have is to try and change the mindset that each time we step out there we compete with a belief that we can win.
An optimist might say Martin Rennie can only improve the fortunes of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who finished dead last in their inaugural MLS season. As the teams new coach, his first test of the Major League Soccer regular season begins 4 p.m. Saturday at B.C. Place against the expansion Montreal Impact.
The 37-year-old Scottish native became the head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps in August last summer following their freshman year in the MLS and one which saw them score the fewest goals (35) in 34-regular season matches while allowing more (55) than all but two other teams in the league.
In his last season with his former team, the Carolina RailHawks of the North American Soccer League, Rennie led a team that scored the most goals (50) and allowed the least (26) in 28 games. The Hawks 17-8-3 record led the league but they were eliminated from the playoffs on penalties, losing to the eventual champion Minnesota Stars.
In Rennie, the Whitecaps and their fans have coach who will take responsibility for the teams success.
The pressure you put yourself under is always going to be a lot more than what other people can put you under. Its not so much that its a pressure, per se, but an expectation of doing everything I can to help the team do well and help each player be the best they can be. Thats kind of how Ive always tried to do it, with the expectation that I have to take responsibility for things to improve and try and teach my players to take responsibility as well.
Rennie added, Theres definitely a lot of desire there for the team to succeed.
Hell look to the stands to influence accomplishments on the pitch.
A big thing for me is to try and connect the teams and the fans, try and get the fans really feeling the power of it. Because if we can build that kind of identity and connection, then I think the Whitecaps can become a really strong force.
Twitter: @MHStewart
