Now that Toronto FC coach John Carver has seemingly conquered the harsh Canadian winters, he needs to put the same effort into protecting himself from the harsh Floridian sun.
Sporting the classic Brit-on-holiday sunburn and a reasons-unknown singed lip, Carver took time out from what I was told was dealing with a scheduling mess surrounding the upcoming exhibition games to update what transpired the week that was in Bradenton, FLA.
To be honest, I take solace in the fact that resolving scheduling conflicts is more painful than answering my questions. But I digress. Going forward, I am set on naming this weekly blog entry The Office due to the fact that: A) It takes place in J.C.'s office; and B) It rivals the actual television show in number of pregnant pauses and uncomfortable shifting on my part.
As always, the entire audio of the Thursday sit-down with Carver can be heard at your leisure by clicking on the video player to your right. It runs about nine minutes and J.C. addresses everything from David Beckham to the three goalkeepers in camp to TFC word of mouth to UEFA chief Michel Platini's recent two-more-officials proposal.
Anyhow, Marvell Wynne surfaced at BMO on Thursday and took some time to discuss his '08 move from Carver's doghouse to the penthouse and how he prepared for the new season.
"The off-season is tricky because you feel that you need to relax after a long season but you are also thinking about the year ahead," Wynne said of his time off. "I usually stay in the gym, go for runs and wait for full team camps in January to begin, where you can focus on getting fit again."
Wynne's play in the second-half of the 2008 season forced the hand of U.S. men's national team coach Bob Bradley, who called on Wynne twice and used the right back as a substitute in the recent WCQ win over Mexico. In that game the U.S. team was without former Toronto FC midfielder Maurice Edu, who like Wynne, used his time in Toronto to buoy his national team career. But since Edu moved to Glasgow he has struggled to find a regular game in the competitive Scottish Premier League, which is a nightmare for a young player trying to earn caps.
"It is always a bit difficult if you are not starting because the coaches cannot see how you are performing and instead have to ask other coaches, 'How is he doing in training?'" Wynne said of his situation. "The (USMNT) coaches saw me playing regularly here in Toronto, liked what they saw and they thought I fit into their style of play so they called me up."
Wynne then confirmed that while the Edu situation in Glasgow is difficult, he is also battling injury.
"He (Edu) was coming off a bone bruise that left him out," Wynne said of his former teammate in Toronto. "But in the end getting those games, getting the playing time and getting seen is very important."
Second-year TFC striker Chad Barrett also reiterated the fact that his fitness going into the new season is not an issue and credits a Paul Winsper program to keep his weight down as the main reason.
"The coaches are happy with where I am right now."
Barrett was also full of praise for new teammate Dwayne De Rosario, who will be responsible for setting up the 2008 TFC Golden Boot award winner.
"Great player, I knew that coming in. He adds so much creativity to our midfield and on and off the field he is a great leader. As he gets more comfortable he will be playing as good --if not better -- than he was in Houston."
For reference sake, let's remind everyone that DeRo won two MLS Cups in Houston and scored 24 goals in 74 games.
