John Herdman is leaving the Canadia men’s soccer team to coach Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, Canada Soccer announced on Monday.
Herdman, 48, took Canadian men to their first World Cup since 1986 in Qatar last November. And he had previously guided the Canadian women to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
“I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to have represented Canada for the past 12 years, for the moments I’ve been able to share with the players, the staff, and the supporters,” said Herdman via a Canada Soccer statement Monday. “I arrived from New Zealand in 2011 with the aim of changing the game in our country, and I have been able to form many deep connections, through experiences in London 2012, a home World Cup in 2015, Rio 2016, World Cup qualification in 2022 and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“The goal was always to leave the game in a better place and I’m confident that goal has been achieved for Canada.”
Herdman departs during troubled times
Herdman leaves during a period of turmoil. Both sets of national team men’s and women’s players are emboriled in an extended labour dispute with the national governing soccer federation.
“John Herdman is the most successful head coach in the history of Canada Soccer,” said Canada Soccer president Charmaine Crooks. “From leading the Women’s National Team to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, paving the way for their gold medal in 2020, and to leading the Men’s National Team back to the FIFA World Cup, John’s contribution to the game in Canada is unmatched.
“We would like to thank John for his immense contribution to the game in Canada and wish him the very best in his new role at Toronto FC.”
Mauro Biello has been named interim head coach. Biello previously served as an assistant coach with the men’s team begining in 2018.
