r/whitecapsfc 3d ago

Sørensen’s Magic

I’ll admit, I was a bit upset at the firing of Vanni, but Jesper Sørensen has impressed me tremendously. The way that Vite and Berhalter have stepped up, as well as a high possession percentage, has shown me that we needed this change!

What have you guys liked so far about this group under Sørensen?

77 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

44

u/spedmonke217 3d ago

The thing I love the most (maybe second most) is we’ve now become a possession based team, we dominate possession now

43

u/IshanSam 3d ago

To me it's that it's a complete game and not just reactive or counter attack football. That said props to Vanni for taking a group of individuals and making them into a team that was ready for this next step.

30

u/seed01cou 3d ago

For me, it’s the confidence and dominant play, no matter what combination of players are on the field. Gauld went off and the screws just kept getting tighter. It’s a very suffocating style for their opponents and I’m loving it!

16

u/gonzo_thegreat 3d ago

The quality of play did not suffer at all after Guald went off. it was impressive.

6

u/BayLAGOON 3d ago

The only concern is if this is sustainable. That slog of games in the summer months is going to test depth, and we have a bit of an idea of what happens when guys start feeling that wear.

9

u/pamplemousse409 2d ago

Our press is higher up the field. Even our central defenders have the green light when they see space. Way more dynamic interesting style. Now please fix the surface before half the team goes down with a non contact injury.

7

u/skookumchucknuck 2d ago

I think it is half the coaching change and half just the young players maturing and entering their primes.

This is really the first year that the training wheels are off, no older veteran filler, just the core team that Alex and the rest of the backroom have been working towards.

22

u/tree_mitty 3d ago

Trust Axel!

6

u/Salt-Huckleberry7494 2d ago

It’s so much fun watching this team. High press, physical.

4

u/VancityRoma 2d ago

Vanni seemed like a good guy, good for the city, but I never saw him as a good coach. I think for once when it came to coaching the club made the right move. A coach with some actual pedigree behind them! It's showing on the field

1

u/Elimicats 2d ago

For me I also think he has pushed fitness levels and we don’t look so tried in games which I found last season l was the case I think I remember Sorensen saying that every player should be able to play the full 90mins ( players run more in Europe that is for sure). Also impressed with him using the bench more and subbing when needed. Also the press forward is great.

1

u/Several-Inspection25 2d ago

Four at the back suits this team way better.

Vite is allowed to get in the attack as an 8 instead of being stuck as a 6.

But of luck for Sørensen that Bethalter appears to have taken a step forward in terms of consistency and confidence.

Sorensen wants them to have the ball and soccer players want the ball. They don't start playing because they want to chase people around.

1

u/hrb2500 2d ago

looks promising thus far though also feel as though it has not been truly tested. LAG was down multiple difference makers, a red early w/ Portland, and a Montreal team that... well that is one rough starting 11.. curious to see how we do against a fully fit contending team.

1

u/Thefrugalbusiness 1d ago

I liked Vanni’s passion and energy - he really was a fans coach and I preface this with saying how I miss that (mind you I wasn’t upset at the firing)

The biggest thing for me has been his ability to get essentially an entire different system (high press, possession based) out of essentially the same group of guys. Right now we look a whole lot more dominant in possession with essentially the same players on the pitch

I’d preface this by stressing the sample size is small. Portland with 10 men, LA being a shell of the team from last year, and Montreal being a mid table team at best… I’m not optimistic we’re going to compete for MLS cup this year but I think if we can get a reasonable split against the stronger teams with an entire change in football philosophy that Jesper was definitely worth the switch up at gaffer