O’Connor ignores naysayers, foresees ’19 success
Orlando City coach James O’Connor started planning for the 2019 season six weeks ago.
He has no interest in dwelling on his first half-season with Orlando City. He went 2-12-3 at the helm and — because he hasn’t already been fired — is ready to hit the ground running preparing for next season.
O’Connor said there’s a “desperation Lions to open training facility in 2019 in Kissimmee.
from the front office” to deliver a winning product to Central Florida.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve had assurances [that his job is safe], but the fact that I’m not sacked would suggest that I’m going to be here,” O’Connor told Pro Soccer USA while smiling in his office at Orlando City Stadium.
“I think, realistically, if the club is going to go in a different direction, then do it now. Do you know what I mean? Again, for me, I’ve got a great relationship with [CEO] Alex [Leitão] and a great relationship with [owner] Flávio [Augusto Da Silva]. Genuinely, I think the way sometimes that they get portrayed … they have a fantastic desire to win.
“When I look at the investment that Flávio has put into the club, I really feel for him. Genuinely. I have every intention of making sure that we all get what we want. Flávio, Alex, [GM] Niki [Budalic ], myself, the players, the supporters — we all want the same thing. We all need to come together and we all need to focus on making sure we all drive toward making the playoffs.”
Orlando City finished its regu-