TFC Tidbits: How will players respond to Herdman's challenge?

Welcome to TFC Tidbits, a special feature at TFC Republic that curates bits and pieces of news about what's going on with Toronto FC.

Deandre Kerr could benefit if Herdman makes changes

Toronto FC coach John Herdman delivered a stern message to his players following  a 3-1 home loss to D.C. United on Aug. 31, the team's last game before the recent international break.

Herdman described TFC's performance vs. D.C. as "complacent" and lacking in urgency. He also talked about his players needing to step up and getting back to basics as a team, especially on the defensive end.

By all accounts, Herdman's challenge registered with the players, but whether that lead to a better performance in the Reds' first match back after the break remains to be seen. Toronto hosts Austin FC on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET/Apple & TSN) in a game that has big implications for Herdman's side, who holds down eighth place and the second-last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

"Having these two weeks off, we got to really dial in on what's important and what's next, which are these remaining games and this push for the playoffs. We really got to dig into how hard we have to work and everything we need to do to make sure we're ready for this push," forward Deandre Kerr told TFC Republic after Wednesday's practice.

"It's been intense training sessions, and that's how it should be. We know what's at stake and we're bringing that into training and we're raising standards because we know there's no room for any more hiccups. We can't throw away any more games, it has to be spot on."

Winger Derrick Etienne Jr. added: "It was a big emphasis on the week that that's what we were going to do and that was the mindset we need to have... We have to make sure we're going into every single game with the right mindset, the right mentality and I think it was a good step in the right direction this last week based off of some of the training sessions."

In his post-match comments after the loss to D.C., Herdman also hinted that starting 11 spots and playing opportunities would be at stake during the team's sabbatical. Herdman explained he wanted to create competition amongst the players during practices in order to prevent more complacency from setting in within the team.

If Herdman is true to his word then Kerr might be one player who benefits. The 21-year-old from Ajax, Ont., has made fewer appearances and starts, and earned less playing time in MLS in 2024 compared to last year. Little wonder that his production is down, too, with just two goals and one assist in league play.

Yet, Kerr has approached this two-week period in his usual fashion, and not as if a window of opportunity for him has been opened.

"I always train like that , as if we're competing for positions. For me, it's nothing different or something to change. It's always been about training and competing for a spot at all times, taking not for granted, and being ready for game time," Kerr said.

(Top photo courtesy of Lucas Kschischang/Toronto FC)

TFC Republic has a comments section! At the very bottom of every story, there is a feature where you can post your comments, so be sure to share your thoughts and views.