Distractions and agendas doomed TFC, says captain

Captain Michael Bradley said Monday distractions and personal agendas helped derail Toronto FC during its wretched 2018 campaign.

Bradley was one of five players to meet the media on locker cleanout day to try to assess what went so spectacularly wrong a year after the greatest season in MLS history, while also discussing how the club can move forward.

“The overriding sentiment of the last few weeks is that the club should never be in this position,” Bradley said.

“So much went into this year. So much went into us being in a position where we’re not playing any more and it’s important that after a year like this everybody is ready to look real hard at themselves, at each other and make sure that we’re having the right soul-searching conversations because I think that’s important.

“When you have a run like we did over 21/2 years, it’s easy for distractions to start to creep in. By and large over the second half of 2016, all of 2017 and through April or May of 2018, the concentration and the focus and the commitment was clear and it was in a group of 25 players and coaches and backroom staff; the motivation was singular.

WE HAD A GOOD SEASON UNTIL CONCACAF FINAL.

And I think this year in too many cases there started to be too many agendas.

“There started to be too many things that (crept) in and became distractions. Ultimately, when you talk about a team losing its way a little bit, that plays a part.”

TFC finished 10-18-6 with 33 fewer points than the 2017 edition.

Star striker Sebastian Giovinco indicated the club’s spirit was crushed when it lost the CONCACAF Champions League final on penalties in April.

“We had a good season until CONCACAF final, then when we lost (in that fashion), then the season was done,” Giovinco said.

“I don’t know why.” Giovinco, Bradley and fellow designated player Jozy Altidore are each entering the final years of their contracts. Giovinco reiterated he wants to return long term, but said “it’s not my problem, it’s their problem … because (if they let it go until the end of next season), then I am without contract, I can leave.”

Giovinco is the top earner in Major League Soccer, a former league MVP and shook off a slow start to finish with 13 goals and 15 assists in 28 games.

“Every year I say the same thing: I’d like to stay here, I’d love to stay here, but it’s not only about me.”

Bradley said his own status “has never been a distraction … not one little bit and it won’t be.”