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Orlando City coach Jason Kreis has vowed to speak to Soca Warriors star Kevin Molino and Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team coach Stephen Hart about the player’s disciplinary breach, which led to him being dropped for Tuesday’s Caribbean Cup qualifier against Martinique.
Trinidad and Tobago lost 2-0 in extra time to Martinique, which meant they were eliminated from the Caribbean Cup and must now face a play off series to try get to to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Kreis told the Orlando Sentinel this morning that he had not spoken to the player since he was dropped from the national team for allegedly breaking camp to go to a nightclub on Ariapita Avenue last Friday. However, he insisted that the club took the matter very seriously and did not condone such behaviour.
“[It is] completely shocking, from my point of view, that somebody with Kevin’s mentality and work rate and humility would be doing something like that,” Kreis told the Sentinel. “So, I think it’s very, very important that we leave it for now and speak with him individually and see exactly what happened.”
Molino is considered an “Orlando City original” since he was a team member from its days in the United States second tier when he led them to two USL titles while setting scoring records. He was the club’s first MLS signee when they joined the top flight in 2015 and is popular with fans and teammates.
At present, Molino is second for Orlando this season with goals (10) and assists (7) this season behind Cyle Larin (14) and former FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon D’Or winner, Kaka, (8) respectively.
Molino suggested, in a Snapchat post yesterday, that he will rule himself out of international action for a year to focus on his Major League Soccer (MLS) employers.
(Courtesy OrlandoSC)
However, Kreis warned that, although the player is likely to escape sanction at Orlando, he would not tolerate such behaviour there.
“It’s not something that we condone or support,” said Kreis, “but it’s difficult to see whether or not that should affect his availability for our team.
“Certainly, if he had a disciplinary issue that happened when he was with us, there would be discipline to be had… We will wait to speak to the player and see what he has to say, as well as the coach of Trinidad.”
Thus far, Molino is understood to have been tightlipped on the incident and has not confirmed or denied the accusation, although Hart obviously felt that the information he received was strong enough to take action.
The playmaker, who has 13 international goals in 18 appearances for Hart, is believed to be a popular figure with the younger squad members and, in particular, the fellow United States-based players like Joevin Jones, Mekeil Williams and Cordell Cato.
Trinidad and Tobago won 6-0.
(Courtesy: Allan V Crane/CA-images/Wired868)
Eighteen year old winger Levi Garcia posted a photo of himself in an Orlando City shirt on Instagram yesterday with the caption: “Diz all I have to say”.
The more senior national players are believed to have a much dimmer view of Molino’s behaviour. And it creates an unwelcome distraction for Hart, as he prepares to face Costa Rica in their opening game of the Hex on 11 November in Port of Spain.
Hart and TTFA president David John-Williams have not yet discussed the goings-on in Martinique but are expected to do so tomorrow.
At present, the TTFA is focused on unveiling its National Elite Youth Development Programme, which will be launched to the media from 6pm tomorrow at the Hilton Trinidad.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Now that’s a coach who is thinking about longer term implications on team fabric. Further it’s clear that he won’t spare the rod…… ““Certainly, if he had a disciplinary issue that happened when he was with us, there would be discipline to be had… We will wait to speak to the player and see what he has to say, as well as the coach of Trinidad.”
not me mango in a million yrs
Thanks Kirwin Weston i was wondering how my brother Lasana Liburd aint give it a write up
Have all the details Gordon? I would love to get details on the program. Thanks in advance!!
Hahaha d conference on wi sports as we speak Brian Jordan its a lot but a small summary is centres of excellence around d country for under 13&15 boys and girls year round training including camps, international games every three months d nlcb giving 8 million over 4 years
That’s d start they will b moving up in a training and development program similar to the USA
I am in the US for a visit. Is it on the web anywhere?
Kk wisports.tv
D good part gone tho
Hope it won’t show once
Yeah i will try to give u d heads up next time it shows
Tnx man
Really hectic day Gordon. I will get around to it.
Ever heard of the centres for excellence programme. That was implemented years ago, late 1990’s and it produced many national players
Dion Sosa yuh have to register eh hahahaha
https://youtu.be/sM1rpX7p4aE
Who does he think he is. I don’t curse but when I read this I said “f**k you Kevin”. Taking a year off to spite the team. Loser behavior. Acting like he’s Ronaldo or something. Totally disappointing. He wants to take a year off, yet make himself eligible to selection if we make the world cup. He could rock so. And Levi better calm his little butt down too.
Drop his stupid ass for good…he would never have done that in the US…so shy try it here…whey he born!!…
National Elite Youth Development Programme…some good football related stuff are finally being implemented, thank God !
Hopefully, it’s managed properly and produces future talents we desire.
Waiting to see the details man.. talk is cheap!
I mean the idea and attempt needs to be credited.
Unless it’s extremely watered down, we should take it in positive light
If you want, sure. I will wait sir
I meam after it comes out. I’m waiting too
Urmm…Kirwin, they need to develop the officials as well, as you said
Ttfa not directly responsible for officials, but yes
Are they responsible for officiating development Lasana ?
Kirwin referees come under TTFA too. So yes. The TTFA can help arrange workshops or courses for officials. Or even help them raise money to better compensate officials.
I won’t be surprised if the referees body get by entirely on the money they get from the different sporting bodies.
How does it work Kurt Arsenal Harry? Devon London? Merere Gonzales?
Word, well they better address this one quickly Savitri
They must come under the TTFA umbrella, eh Kirwin, why would you have to ask that eh
Doh bother…she did a better game tonight
Lasana Liburd why you does do me this boy……. Always something to get me in trouble…… But yes all the referees development structures are in place even the ones you vaguely mentioned…. Most are direct from FIFA and the rest through the TTfa….. Currently the south zone is conducting a referees Recruiting course at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 5pm so maybe Mr Kirwin Weston and his band of critics should come try their hand and then you would see that it’s not as easy as you think…
Kirwin Weston
The other issue is, these bad decision making is costing teams…results and financially, and the referees walk away smiling.
Is there a points system or ranking system for referees ?
I know refereeing isn’t easy.
But when you have a referee doing a game; blows for a penalty, bench goes into uproar, match commissioner and assistant referee smirking and shaking their head, only for the referee to reverse his decision…we know something wrong !!!
Almost everyone is complaining about the quality of refereeing.
Are you honestly satisfied with it Devon London ? Or convinced that we’re at a satisfactory level ?
For the record, I started the course in 2010 but didn’t complete it
No comment from me Lasana Liburd.. My name easy to call.. But as Devon London Stated crictics should come and do the course, before commenting on referees performance
..
Kirwin Weston let me first applaud you for your honesty. kudos to you… now let me get this thing straight one time……. get all thoughts out of your head that being a referee in Trinidad and Tobago is financially rewarding…. crap alone… we do it for the love of the game ……. pure love only the the select few who go on to FIFA level may see that kinds of rewards………… it is purely sacrificial and irks me to my core to hear ppl criticize refs and talk about us being paid handsomely at the same….. like i said maybe you should come and complete the course and start officiating and maybe then after experiencing that you surely sing a different song
Kurt Arsenal Harry i dont think it easier to call than mine………..lol but this time i have to stand up and defend my people
One thing though Devon and Kurt. I don’t think anyone is above criticism. Footballers get criticized, coaches get criticized, journalists get criticized, even fans get criticized…
So why can’t referees be criticized when they make mistakes?
im not saying no even the best of us in the world makes major mistakes Lasana…. it happens….. im not saying that TTFA has the best referees in the world or that we are close to being on par with the likes of such… my point is that if you dont have a clue about what we do or how we do it and you’re not willing to even attempt to try to what we do and walk in our cleats, then you absolutely have no right to criticize…………
Smh.
That’s a pretty weak response … but ok.
Brian Jordan
https://youtu.be/sM1rpX7p4aE
Thanks for sharing. I have more questions than answers. Which academies were consulted in coming up with plan? What’s the cost of registration? What’s the benefit to the academies? How do we classify an athlete as “elite”? What component of the funds allotted goes to coaching courses? I could go on and on…
Let’s see how it goes Brian
Brian Jordan uefa and fifa have committed to providing coaching courses specific coaches will be organizing d centres of excellence
Do we know which specific coaches?
They have not being all selected as yet but i expect d last u17 coaching staff to be included with Russell latapy having a prominent role
K. Plz keep me posted
I will champ
Kirwin Weston, you know Trinidad and Tobago has had U-13/U-14 teams before though right? From over 20 years ago actually.
I am aware Lasana. Thanks
Just want to see how the new setup will work
Yuh see this going on longtime since of the days of yorke and latapy now this coach he not playing at all and letting key players know what time it is and u not bigger than the team
Well said !!!
Unfortunately, this would be turned into an issue of “race”, ppl will claim that because he isnt white, he was disciplined
Really?hmm
Its the same thing Trinis said when Yorke was sold from ManU
What nonsense you talking?
You know the same kind of indiscipline took place with the u 17 team and when the Captain spoke about it he got dropped from the team and the guilty parties continued to play.
Hmmm. Go on…
Hm molino is now a disgrace i dont know how he will look at himself now u reap what u sow
in1998 the French coach built a team without Cantona and Ginola………they were considered France’s two best players at that time………but the coach saw them as NOT TEAM PLAYERS……….France went on to win the World Cup that year………the conduct of Molino is just one of the ABSENTEE PATRIOTISM that has become so Trinbagonian………….HATS OFF to the coach’s decision……..let’s REBUILD a NATIONAL TEAM !!!
If he likes clubbing then let him get a job there .. not football .. the country pours $Ms into this football team and doesn’t get the results we expect
Very disappointed in Molino.. hope he remembers the Golden rule “The game is bigger than the man”
Doesn’t make sense a player that does not show this pattern of behaviour suddenly become unprofessional and delinquent . According to his MLS Kevin don’t do that. What’s really going on?
It’s just another example of a Trini falling into line and respecting rules on foreign territory but feel the need to piss all over the place when they return
I’d rather support a struggling T&T team that has structure and discipline than a successful team with an indisciplined and distracting “star” player.
That’s what I think Molino overlooked standing with his club! How will they view him from here on! He’s not a true worthy soldier for d cause! International reputation at stake here too! Smh
It’s about time that a national team coach took a firm stand with players. Professional club teams would never stand for such behavior…and now something like this could affect his standing. Smh
Ego is a hell of a thing. It’s been destroying the careers of talented footballers for years…
If indeed there is a schism in the team between the junior and senior players with young Levi seemingly ” making a statement”. We’re in deep trouble.
Cut the cancer out quickly if that is the case. Decisive action and move on.
Simone, I don’t mean to be rough on your player. But we want to qualify for the World Cup. If he isn’t committed to that then it is the best to make this break up as quick and clean as possible.
Lasana Liburd Lasana, I don’t represent Molino. Like him as a player and overall I believe the bigger picture is whether the NT depends on him. If they do, then cutting him hurts the team and another way for punishment must be found. T&T is the smallest country to ever participate at a World Cup, they don’t have the luxury to drop one of their top players. Look at Vidal for instance.
Lasana Liburd My comment was just ironic on MLS. In no other competitive league in the world, mediocre coaches are given that much time to produce results. In what other place you finish in the bottom 3-4 of 20 teams and you are confirmed as coach for next season? None because it would mean relegation.
Ok Simone. But T&T got to the last Gold Cup quarterfinals, beat Panama away, drew Mexico twice, beat Guatemala away and drew the US at home… All without Molino.
We are a small country and it helps us to have all our players. And he is a talent.
But we won’t fall apart.
For that matter, there are several other players who are just as talented or moreso that are also out for not showing enough commitment or sacrifice: Ataulla Guerra, Marcus Joseph and Keon Daniel for instance.
Our team would look so different if we had all the talent available. C’est la vie.
Simone, the OC coach Kreis took over this season for the initial coach, Heath, who was fired. Kreis took over with team pretty low in the standings. Just clearing the air..
Brian Jordan I am aware. But look at NYC with Vieira at the helm. Big difference. MLS teams need coaches from Europe, South America and Mexico. Oscar Pareja’s Dallas is the lowest budget team and they play better football than big budget teams.
Tactically most MLS teams need serious coaches. Not former college coaches or English coaches who are unknown in UK and in MLS are respected for having a british accent.
I think China will make a better product in very few seasons. Bring in players in their prime and coaches like Lippi.
I think you need quality. It shouldn’t matter where they are from. If they bring quality. Keep in mind, MLS has had European coaches from its inception, and the US MNT also had success in Concacaf, and decent results in past WCs with US coaches. Klinsmann has been ok, in my opinion.
I agree and Klinsmann had done poorly with Munich and ok with Germany but I can’t think of one American raised coach who made his MLS team play “good football”. Mind you most grew up before MLS existed or during its early years. Why? Because most are wired to build their teams on athleticism and size. The point is in Continental Europe, Mexico and South America there is a lot more emphasis on technical players and tactical aspect . Every week you see much amateurish tactical defending in MLS. That is a sign of mediocre coaches in my opinion.
Bear in mind Bob Bradley is now Swansea manager in the England Premier League. So maybe he will make a mark for US coaches.
Lasana Liburd Yes maybe. And tactically he is organized. But he is the one that showed up at World Cup 2010 with Altidore and a 100 meters dash runner Robbie Findley (“Troncos” as they say in Mexico). I refuse to believe USA had no better forwards in a country of 350 million with a huge immigrant population.
Bruce Arena is an example of an under appreciated American coach. However, I get your point Simone.
Brian Jordan Yes Arena is the best one.
Sooo….Trinidad is too small a country to be disciplined? We must find another way of disciplining a player who has shown tremendous disrespect to his coach, teammates and the cause because Trinidad is too small and cannot afford the luxury of discipline. Carry on…..
What’s most shocking is that he is still the coach of OC. I guess that is the MLS way because of no relegation.
See, I told ya
Sigh I don’t like this…… ?
Bet he didn’t think it would have reached this far…