If the Vancouver Whitecaps were looking for a manager to ride out the season and sell supporters on the future, then they hired the wrong guy, according to head coach Marc Dos Santos.
The first-year 'Caps boss doesn't care about the huge roster upheaval that happened ahead of the 2019 season. He doesn't care that the club has one point after five games. He wants to win now and still has eyes on the playoffs heading into Friday Night MLS on TSN at the Chicago Fire (8:30 pm ET | TSN in Canada, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US).
Is it must-win territory for the Whitecaps in Chicago?
"We were at that stage against Minnesota," Dos Santos said after training on Tuesday, referring to the club's first game of the season. "We need that win, absolutely. When are we going to get it? I hope in Chicago. The schedule is always difficult. Are we in a critical situation? If you're talking about making the playoffs, of course we are."
There are positives to be taken from the club's last two matches.
They earned their first result of the season two weeks ago against the high-flying Seattle Sounders, a 0-0 draw that was nearly a late win if not for heroics from Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Last week, they lost to the LA Galaxy, 2-0, despite a dominant first half that could have been much different if Ali Adnan's early penalty kick wasn't saved.
"Yes, it's a process," Dos Santos admitted. "Is the team going to be stronger in 2020? Absolutely yes. But the club chose the wrong guy if they want a guy that says 'No it's a process, we have to stay patient.' I'm not. I want to win now. I'm working every day to make this work. I want this to happen now."
Regardless of the moral victories, Dos Santos wants wins that translate directly to the standings. He also doesn't want an inferior mindset to swell in the locker room.
"We can't live in the excuse of 'Oh, it's only five games,'" Dos Santos said. "Because then what are we going to say? 'It's only 20 games, we still have 14 games.' No way. I don't want that mindset."
