A complete and utter bust emerged from what seemed to be great additions. Most MLS fans would consider them the biggest flops ever as they look for a return to Serie A.



The news that Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi would be continuing their careers with Toronto FC was quite shocking when they arrived. Of all, the club was no stranger to risking big, even with Sebastian Giovinco, their compatriot. However, something about the entrance of the duo seemed off.



After leading Italy to the Euros, Insigne became a legend at Napoli. Bernardeschi, a striker at the peak of his career, swapped Juventus with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a>.



It is difficult to put into words the sheer magnitude of the catastrophe that this has been after two years. Nothing short of a catastrophe is the best way to characterize what happened.



<h2>The problem lies in hefty contracts</h2>



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/insigne-matches-maradona-as-napoli-stay-on-inters-trail-20220123-CMS-367313.html">significance of Insigne to Napoli</a> is difficult to put into words. His whole life was devoted to playing for the Partenopei, a club he joined in 2006.



He was a rock through thick and thin, earning him a spot in the club’s hall of fame with Diego Maradona and other greats. This made his arrival in MLS all the more remarkable since he was offered a record-breaking contract.



But following his recent middle finger to many Toronto supporters, Insigne made headlines for all the negative reasons. Even worse, he failed to live up to his astronomical contract and superstar reputation. He contributed only five goals and four assists in 21 appearances in the American top division in 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240104_WST_481324_Bernardeschi-Insigne-1200x675_80b02aa2.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-481363" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Bernardeschi-Insigne.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Paid an estimated $14 million in his first season, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s yearly wage and making him the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer ever. The veteran, though, has witnessed a significant reduction in his income this season.



Earlier this year, the MLS Players’ Union announced that Insigne earned a whopping $7.5 million that year. The services of Bernardeschi were also richly paid. Toronto FC pays the ex-Juve player about $6.25 million annually.



Because of players like Insigne and Bernardeschi, Toronto FC pays more than any other Major League Soccer club. This accounts for more than 12 clubs’ entire rosters. Unfortunately for TFC, spending money does not guarantee success—certainly not this season.



<h2>MLS duo set for Serie A reunion</h2>



Now, Italian media are reporting that the two are interested in making a move back to Serie A from Toronto FC. According to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/03-01-2024/bonucci-insigne-bernardeschi-il-destino-sul-mercato.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, the two Euro 2020 champions plan to make a January move back to Italy.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bernardeschi-admits-error-in-mls-move-unveils-likely-next-club-20231130-WST-474191.html">Bernardeschi</a> and coach Massimiliano Allegri are quite amicable, and rumors have circulated that he may be joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus.</a> The Bianconeri, on the other hand, are hesitant to spend on a large salary until they sell a high-value player during the current transfer window. As a result, they have not yet made an offer.



On the other hand, if Gazzetta is to be believed, Insigne would be overjoyed to play for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states">Napoli</a> again. But a return to the Stadio Maradona is out of the question at the moment.



Walter Mazzarri would have a tough time managing the Napoli academy product. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old would have to settle for a supporting role for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Several other Italian clubs, including Fiorentina and Lazio, have shown interest in the winger.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

MLS exodus: Two Designated Players pushing for Serie A return

A complete and utter bust has emerged from what seemed to be great additions. Most MLS fans would consider them the biggest flops ever.

John Herdman has said that he ought to have resigned as coach of the Canadian national team before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.



In March of 2022, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/herdman-leaves-canada-role-to-manage-mls-club-toronto-20230829-WST-452658.html">Herdman</a> led <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/canada-national-team-tv-schedule/">Canada</a> to their first <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> qualification in 36 years. However, he experienced a personal tragedy about which few knew. The Canadian soccer coach does not seem to have had a picnic.



With his outstanding contribution to Canada’s Olympic success, Herdman has been a boon to the country’s soccer scene. He has propelled the men’s and women’s teams to unprecedented heights. Soccer in the North American country will never be the same thanks to Herdman.



Yet, despite being a crucial figure in his own right, has had his fair share of problems on his path. The 48-year-old recently discussed the difficulties of coaching at the top level in a podcast, where he opened up about his troubles.



<h2>What did Herdman say about his personal struggles?</h2>



Before the 2022 World Cup, the famous coach was already vulnerable due to the death of a close relative—an additional burden. A devastating turn occurred in Herdman’s life last May when his sister Nicola took her own life.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231213_WST_476974_John-Herdman-Canada-1200x675_d539e3ab.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-477071" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/John-Herdman-Canada-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/John-Herdman-Canada-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/John-Herdman-Canada-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/John-Herdman-Canada.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Herdman said told <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/app-pov/player-s-own-voice-podcast-transcript-john-herdman-1.7051835" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">POV Podcast</a> that he should have resigned from his coaching role sooner and shared an honest moment about his issues. He felt he could not help his sister as much as he would have liked, which made him question his ability to go on professionally.



“I had just lost my sister to suicide, and it really, really hurt and it was for a period of time. I’ve never been hurt like that. I’d always been the fixer in my family, and I couldn’t fix it. So, coming out with World Cup qualification, it was like the highest high, then down to the worst experience that I had in my life.



“I had a decision to make in June [2022] and I went against my instinct … I shouldn’t have went. She’d reached out for help when I was at the Gold Cup [in 2021]. And I didn’t help in the way I could have.”



<h2>How did situation affect Herdman?</h2>



Preparation for Canada’s first World Cup since 1986 was fraught with difficulties, on top of Herdman’s personal problems. In June 2022, the Reds postponed a friendly match against Iran. It was in response to calls from the relatives of Canadians killed in an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-shot down Ukrainian aircraft in 2020.



In its substitute, the federation scheduled a game against Panama. That match, too, was postponed a few hours before the start because of a contract disagreement between the players and Canada Soccer.



The organizational problems within the squad made Herdman’s personal loss much worse. Eventually, the current Toronto FC boss stayed with the team despite these obstacles.



“I knew Canada, from an organizational perspective, we weren’t ready. We weren’t ready,” Herdman recalled. “And the players? You know, when you see what happened in June the ‘me’ had already shifted. The ‘we’ had gone to ‘me’.



“I didn’t need it, I felt my job was done, on the qualification. I did not need that World Cup, I don’t know if I wanted it, either.”



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Personal tragedy makes ex-Canada coach regret World Cup trip

John Herdman has said that he ought to have resigned as coach of the Canadian national team before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The ‘wrong project,’ according to Federico Bernardeschi, was his stint with Toronto FC, which is not working out. Consequently, he has acknowledged the possibility of returning to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>.



Last summer, Bernardeschi became a member of Toronto FC after leaving Juventus as a free agent. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">MLS</a> club brought him in along with fellow Italians Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Criscito. Toronto hoped the trio would breathe life into the Canadian squad. 



Still, after scoring 13 goals in 47 games in the American top division, he has been unable to find success. The team’s fortunes have taken a nosedive instead. They failed to make the playoffs in 2022. In 2023, Toronto finished at the bottom of the standings.



<h2>Bernardeschi labels Toronto move as mitake</h2>



While in Italy last week, the 29-year-old spoke to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/24-11-2023/juventus-parla-bernardeschi-siamo-tornati-e-lotteremo-per-lo-scudetto.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Gazzetta dello Sport</a>, which caused quite a stir. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-set-to-introduce-new-dp-rules-in-2024-impacting-all-clubs-20231125-WST-472524.html">Designated Player</a> for TFC discussed his experience in the United States so far, as well as the challenging 2023 season that the Reds endured.



“It was not like everyone expected, starting from the club. We have had many difficulties, there have been changes of coaches and probably it was the wrong project,” the ex-Juventus winger told La Gazzetta.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231130_WST_474191_Bernardeschi-Toronto-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-474235" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Bernardeschi-Toronto.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Bernardeschi has not thrived in Major League Soccer, and a return back to Italy may be on the cards.</figcaption></figure>



“Personally, I had a decent season, it was a nice experience in a totally different football, where trips are longer and it’s not simple logistically. It takes a period of time to adapt, I’ve learned a lot and finally, I’ve recovered from groin issues after one and a half years of struggles.”



Once he acknowledged that Toronto was not the right project for him, he went on to say that he would be happy to go back to his homeland: “I’ve developed as a man and as a footballer at Juventus. A piece of my heart has remained there. I will always be there for Juventus, and I still have a house in Turin.”



<h2>Winger reveals his future plans to fan</h2>



On Wednesday, Federico Bernardeschi was seen at Juventus’ training field, fueling rumors that he might be making a comeback to the club. After seeing his old colleagues and coach, Massimiliano Allegri, at Continassa, he conveyed the same message.



Bernardeschi pulled over to autograph autographs for Bianconeri fans just outside Juve training center’s gates. That’s when an ardent fan wanted to know whether he planned to be back in January, to which he simply said, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0OzdJJqnCR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=43e6ef8d-476c-4145-a81b-a5fe5c4e9bee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“I hope so”</a>.



According to certain sources, Juve is looking to bolster their midfield options by adding Bernardeschi on a short-term basis until the conclusion of the current season. It is well-known that Massimiliano Allegri needs new midfielders.



After losing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pogba-faces-four-year-ban-after-failing-second-drug-test-20231006-WST-460799.html">Paul Pogba</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/juventus-eye-double-swoop-to-fill-gaps-left-by-pogba-and-fagioli-20231111-WST-469393.html">Nicolo Fagioli</a>, the club may hold off on signing suitable replacements until the summer. This has led to speculation that they are interested in signing Bernardeschi on a short-term basis until the season concludes.



Teams will be hesitant to let the Old Lady take their star players in January. The Italians allegedly know this. They are taking advantage of the fact that signing the Toronto winger will be simpler until summer comes.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Bernardeschi admits error in MLS move, unveils likely next club

Federico Bernardeschi was reportedly sighted on Wednesday at the Juventus training field, which suggests he may depart MLS.

For Toronto and Philadelphia, the “international break” was an opportunity for renewal and revival. &nbsp;Both teams had miserable starts to the season but both still were in shouting distance of fifth place in the Eastern Conference. &nbsp;For the Union, the Nowak era was loudly coming to an end as popular players were slowly being shipped off as the head coach kept trying to remake the team in his image (<a href="http:\/\/www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/long-since-time-for-nowak-to-go-16275" target="_blank">see Earl’s analysis here</a>). &nbsp;Toronto’s woes were even more&nbsp;embarrassing: a year after beginning the implementation of the Total Football style Canadian edition, the Reds set a record for most losses to begin an MLS season and the friction between the front office, on-field management, and fans was boiling.
Saturday was the day of new beginnings for both teams as Paul Mariner and John Hackworth led their new teams onto the pitch against teams at the top of the Eastern Conference. &nbsp;Wins or draws would send messages to the league that these teams were back and ready to compete, especially with the Union playing at home. &nbsp;Unfortunately for these two teams the results looked very similar to the results under the old bosses, as both fell to two teams that could be Supporters’s Shield contenders.
Beginning in Chester, PA, the Union looked like a team afire versus DC United. &nbsp;Playing in a 4-3-3, the home team was the more dominant side in the first half, creating more of the chances and generally making DC United look slow and reactive. &nbsp;A few critical saves by Bill Hamid were all that kept the score sheet clean in the first 45 minutes, including this save on Josue Martinez:
The second half was a continuation of the first, although the Union simply could not break the DC defense despite some quality chances. &nbsp;Then in the 78th minute DC broke the scoreless draw on excellent set piece service by a resurgent Branko Boskovic. &nbsp;The free kick floated past a few DC heads before it fell onto the foot of Chris Pontius who buried in the back of the net. &nbsp;After an initial delay by referee Ricardo Salazar, the goal stood and DC sent Philly to their sixth straight winless game. &nbsp;But the fact they played well and dominated stretches cheered the players in the&nbsp;locker room.
<blockquote>“It’s exciting,” <a href="http:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/06/16/despite-loss-philly-happy-start-hackworth-era" target="_blank">Union defender Sheanon Williams told MLSsoccer.com</a>. “There’s new energy in the locker room and we’re ready to move forward. We know we have a lot of potential in this locker room. We can definitely get results. You could see it tonight. Even though we didn’t get three points, we sent a message to everyone else that we can play.”</blockquote>
For Toronto, their game under a Jeff Goldblum-looking Mariner was not quite as close after the first half although the visitors looked to keep up with Sporting Kansas City early in the first half. &nbsp;C.J. Sapong scored in the 18th minute to add to the home crowd’s frenzy before Toronto’s Eric Avila had a golden chance to equalize. &nbsp;Instead, this happened:
Julio Cesar’s wonder goal five minutes later essentially sealed the deal when he was unmarked on a corner and struck a ball on the fly to put Sporting KC up 2-0. &nbsp;The loss dropped the Reds to 1-10-0 on the year and firmly placed them in last in the standings. &nbsp;The worst part of it was the fact that Toronto looked the same as ever, despite the management change. &nbsp;With their next three games versus Houston, New England, and Montreal, if they want to begin to climb out of last the next three weeks are a good time to do so.

New Coaches and Same Results for MLS Teams - World Soccer Talk

New Coaches and Same Results for MLS Teams

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
Tonight West Ham United plays the Major League Soccer All-Star Team in Toronto, Canada. The match will be shown live on ESPN and ESPN360.com beginning at 7pm ET.
I’m intrigued by this match but it’s hard to get excited. West Ham is one of the most vanilla football clubs in the Premier League. The club has few players that spark a lot of emotion other than Dean Ashton. Then there’s boring old manager Alan Curbishley. And lastly, you have to wonder how different everything may have been if the original choice for the opposition was selected instead of West Ham: Liverpool.
Still, the passionate Toronto fans should make the atmosphere better than previous MLS All-Star games. And it’ll be fun to see the increased police presence surrounding the Hammers fans.
Let’s hope that both teams come out with a commitment to win this one. Keeping my fingers crossed, I’m hoping this will be an entertaining game to watch. We’ll see.
What do you think? Share your comments below by clicking the comments link.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "toronto"

Leagues: MLS

MLS exodus: Two Designated Players pushing for Serie A return

Canada

Personal tragedy makes ex-Canada coach regret World Cup trip

Juventus

Bernardeschi admits error in MLS move, unveils likely next club

Leagues: MLS

New Coaches and Same Results for MLS Teams

General

West Ham United v MLS All-Stars On ESPN Tonight