Orlando's Kaka eager for 2017 but demands more pressure, winning mentality

ORLANDO, Fla. – Call it unfinished business, professional integrity or just sheer frustration. But Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite wants it to be known there will be hell to pay if Orlando City SC isn’t a playoff team this time next year.

That is about as determined and outspoken as Orlando's captain – otherwise known as Kaká – has been in his two years with the team to date

In a season in which he has made 23 appearances, scored eight goals and chalked up eight assists, Kaká is not happy with sitting on the wrong side of the red line for the second year in a row. Orlando play their final game at Camping World Stadium on Sunday against D.C. United (4 pm ET; MLS LIVE). But the great Brazilian was already looking ahead as much as back at the last two years when he spoke to the media on Thursday.

Kaká said there is no doubt in his mind that he will definitely be back for 2017, but that he wants to see some significant changes.

In the first instance, he wants greater all-round commitment from his teammates, and a club-wide dedication to creating a winning culture.

“The most important thing we need to change for next season is our mentality,” Kaká said. “We need to have a winning mentality and this will change a lot of things. It is different when I just want to win and I can sacrifice something for winning. So this is what I expect for the next season, for the players, for the staff, that we really want to sacrifice something [to reach] our targets.

“In my opinion, the club needs to set some targets for the team, and the coach needs to put some goals and some inside competition. I think it’s fair, and when it is fair competition it is very good for everybody, to put some pressure on us. This is something we need to improve, to get better for the next season, and challenge us to do better.”

The playmaker has experienced that at nearly every previous stop in his career, and the lack of tangible progress on the field with Orlando clearly chafes at the former World Player of the Year, even given the extenuating circumstances with injuries, international call-ups and a change of head coach.

Kaká has been happy with his own form, but disappointed with the series of niggling injuries that sidelined him for almost half of the season's first 20 games. On the plus side, he has started the last 13 in a row, and he insists he is still raring to go for the final season of his three-year deal with the Lions.

“I am still ready and I want to win every game,” he said. “Unfortunately this season I had a few injuries, small injuries, but they took me out of some games. It is part of the game and it is something I can’t control, but next season I will try to get better, physically.

“Next season we have to get to the playoffs, because to stay out and be watching the other teams playing, it is very hard for me.”

Kaká fully expects the Lions to hit the reset button to a certain extent in the next few months, and then to come back to life in the preseason with a mixture of new players and a longer, more consistent learning period under coach Jason Kreis.

“For now, this is a period where we are going to have to wait,” he added. “The coach and the club will work in the offseason on the players who are going to leave and the players who are going to come [in], so we will see what happens. But in these last few games, I think Jason showed us a little of what he wants and what he expects for next season.”

Kreis wants a more defensive-minded, high-pressing team that more closely fits the mold of the one he created at Real Salt Lake, and that suits Kaká down to the ground. Orlando's last three games have been a 0-0 draw, 1-0 loss, and 2-0 win, and, if they can finish off with a flourish on Sunday, there will be a small but definite amount of satisfaction in the group.

As for his own future, the Brazilian remains highly motivated, and especially energized at the thought of the Lions' neww, natural-grass stadium.

“Let’s think about next year and we will see after that what I can do,” he said. “Next year is so important for this club, with this stadium, so it’s important for the players and the supporters to feel that it is our home. I know they feel that here [at Camping World Stadium], but when the thing is yours, it is different to when you rent something.

“I am happy to be part of this and to be here one more year. And we will see if I can play for more than the one [more year].”

Kreis remains convinced there is still more to come from Kaká. He wants his star Designated Player on the field as much as possible, but he doesn’t necessarily see 2017 as his swan song.

“Ricky remains an extremely hungry player,” the head coach said. “I’ve spoken to him and I know that for a fact, and that he would never want to finish his career by being part of a team that would miss the playoffs. That would be a big objective of his, as it will for every member of the group next year … We need to begin to represent ourselves and give the fans what they deserve here.”

More games: friv

Kaká works out for Kreis, will be available against Columbus on Saturday

After missing Orlando City SC's last three games with a calf injury, one of a series of knocks he has endured this season, Kaká is expected to return for the Lions' match against Columbus on Saturday (7:30 pm, MLS LIVE).

"He'll be available, yeah," interim head coach Bobby Murphy told the Orlando Sentinel for a story published in Friday's editions. 

Saturday's match against Crew SC will be Murphy's last at the helm before new coach Jason Kreis takes over, following a break for the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. Kreis attended training for the first time on Thursday, and he and Orlando City president Phil Rawlins watched as Kaká -- who looked fit during the session -- stayed on for extra work afterward.

The Brazilian star and Orlando City captain has missed 10 games with injuries this season, causing some fans to question whether he was giving the club enough return on his salary, and also was released from Brazil's Copa America Centenario roster because of a hamstring strain.  

So far this season, Kaká has three goals and five assists in nine starts for the Lions.

MLS draft reunites a pair of Canadians as Richie Laryea joins Cyle Larin in Orlando

BALTIMORE - The MLS SuperDraft unfolded beautifully Thursday for Toronto midfielder Richie Laryea.

After a series of deals reshuffled the top of the draft, the University of Akron sophomore went seventh overall to Orlando City where he will be reunited with friend and fellow Canuck Cyle Larin.

The two talked the day before the draft, keeping their fingers crossed that they could be roommates next season.

"It's amazing ... Cyle's been my best friend ever since I was nine," said Laryea, who just turned 21. "It's going to be good."

How emotional was Laryea when his name was called at the Baltimore Convention Center podium?

"I started crying a bit," he confessed. "Then my mom told me to man up."

Larin, the first overall pick in last year's draft, was named rookie of the year in 2015 after scoring a rookie-record 17 goals.

"Boom!! Congrats @RichieLaryea — see you in Orlando soon," Larin tweeted.

Chicago, which came into the draft with just 14 players under contract, had the top overall pick and was widely expected to deal it in order to get more assets.

The Fire held onto the pick, at least briefly, selecting Wake Forest midfielder Jack Harrison. Chicago then dealt him to New York City FC for allocation money and the fourth overall pick, which it used to take Stanford fullback Brandon Vincent.

Both come highly touted.

The Philadelphia Union were also busy. Already in possession of the third and sixth picks, they acquired the second selection from Colorado for allocation money and a player to be named later.

The Union used the second and third picks on Georgetown defenders Josh Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry and the sixth on Creighton midfielder Fabian Herbers. The Ghanaian-born Yaro was expected to go first overall by many observers.

Real Salt Lake took North Carolina midfielder Omar Holness fifth.

Toronto FC chose Japanese midfielder Tsubasa Endoh from the University of Maryland ninth overall while Montreal opted for Clemson centre back Kyle Fisher 14th and the Vancouver Whitecaps picked Georgetown defender Cole Seiler 16th.

In Orlando, Laryea can learn his trade alongside Brazilian star Kaka. Coach Adrian Heath believes the young Canadian can help the Orlando attack in a number of areas.

"We just think his upside is enormous," said Heath. "We've watched him very very closely.

"Obviously (there's) the fact that he's big friends with Cyle. We've know about him for a long long time. He and Cyle go back a long way. We just hope he has the same impact that Cyle's had. If he does, we'll have a very good first pick."

Laryea and Larin both came up through the Sigma FC club system in Toronto, joining from rival teams. The two didn't much like each other at first but that soon changed as they developed links on and off the field.

"I think I've given him a fair number of assists while playing," Laryea said with a smile.

Pacey with good vision, the five-foot-nine 150-pounder is coming off a breakthrough season at Akron where he scored a team-high 11 goals and added seven assists.

That was good enough to get him a Generation Adidas deal, which earned him underclassman entry into the draft along with a contract that not count against a team's salary cap.

The first two rounds went Thursday with Rounds 3 and 4 held via conference call on Jan. 19.

Canadians who could draw attention then are Kentucky goalkeeper Callum Irving (Vancouver), Bowling Green midfielder Ryan James (Mississauga, Ont.) and Washington midfielder Josh Heard (Victoria).

Laryea, Harrison, Herbers, Holness and Yaro were all members of the Generation Adidas class, along with Clemson goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell (who went eighth to San Jose) and Syracuse midfielder Julian Buescher (11th to D.C. United).

Irving and Fisher signed contracts with the league on the eve of the draft. Others to sign prior to the draft were North Carolina defender Jonathan Campbell (12th to Chicago), Central Florida forward Hadji Barry (13th to Orlando), Syracuse forward Ben Polk (20th to Portland) and Virginia midfielder Todd Wharton.

This year's crop was billed as heavy on defenders and midfielders and the draft proved that.

The first forward taken was Barry — after six defenders, five midfielders and a goalkeeper.

Players were taken from 10 countries: Canada, the U.S., Jamaica, England, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Belize.

Top MLS, English Premier League teams may meet in new tournament

Major League Soccer wants to hold a competition between the league and cup winners from the United States and England.

In recent years, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool have played in an annual friendly tournament in the U.S.

“In the past we have had discussions with the Premier League about creating some friendly tournament with their top clubs and our top clubs, and I would love to see that happen,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber told The Associated Press at the SoccerEx convention on Wednesday.

Garber would like a competition between the English Premier League and FA Cup winners and their U.S. counterparts in New York every year or every four years.

“There are calendar issues, there are a wide variety of logistical issues, but if we were able to put it together, speaking on behalf of Major League Soccer, we would love to find a way of getting it done,” Garber said.

“There have been no discussions (with the Premier League) whatsoever that are specific to the details, and there is certainly no agreement in place.” 

Making a lasting impact at a club in just five months is a tough task for many, but Orlando City star Kaka has thrived in his playmaking role for the expansion side in Major League Soccer. 

In 21 matches for the Lions this season, Kaka has contributed nine goals and four assists to a club in contention for one of the six play-off positions in the Eastern Conference. 

“It’s not easy, but it’s been a challenge for us to put these 25 players together and create a team. I think our coach [Adrian Heath] is doing a very good job. I’m happy where the team is at. Hopefully at the end of the season we can at least celebrate [a berth in the] playoffs," the Brazilian told Bleacher Report recently.

One of the key shifts in the player's mindset since starting his first game in purple has helped him produce for the club and lead by example. The highest paid player in the league, per the MLS Players Union salary database, is using the pressure to succeed as a positive. 

“Everywhere that I’ve played, there’s been this type of pressure. Sao Paulo, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Brazil national team. I’m used to this situation," Kaka said.

"Now with more maturity and experience, I can convert this pressure into motivation. It’s not a negative thing now for me. It’s a positive thing, so I can work on that and take this as motivation for every game," he continued. 

The former FIFA World Player of the Year is not the only one putting in impressive performances week in and week out for Orlando City. Kaka specifically pointed out a few of his teammates have also started the season well in a recent interview at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City. 

“Darwin Ceren is a very good player. He’s doing a very good job. Brek Shea. I didn’t know him before so I’ve had the opportunity to play with him and he’s very good. [Kevin] Molino, who is injured, but for sure he’s going to help us in the next few years," Kaka said. 

In his most memorable display of leadership yet, Kaka honored the injured Molino, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, by pulling on the winger's jersey after scoring a penalty in his side's 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on May 17. 

As for the environment in Orlando, the fans are creating one of the best atmospheres in MLS by packing the Citrus Bowl for every home match. Orlando will move into a soccer-specific stadium in 2016. 

“It’s been amazing every time we play at Citrus Bowl in front of all the supporters. Every time in every moment in every situation. Our average now is 33,000 for games. This is great. It’s much more than anyone could’ve expected," Kaka said.

Although the Citrus Bowl doesn't rival the Bernabeu or San Siro in terms of its history with the beautiful game, Kaka was able to make one key comparison between the stadiums. 

“It’s similar in a way that the supporters support the team and stay with you. The Bernabeu has 80,000. Every game we have over 30,000 and we feel the motivation, and it’s the same because it’s pushing us to win," the Brazilian said. 

One of the unique parts of life in MLS is the wide range of traveling done by each club in a season. Unlike Europe, some of the cross-country trips could be over 3,000 miles, depending on where each side is located. Instead of dreading the trips like some new players to the league have in the past, Kaka is taking a different approach.

“I’m enjoying the travel because I’ve been in cities I’ve never been in before. I can see how this league is really growing in not just one part of the country but everywhere. It’s not a problem because we travel every 10 to 15 days. It’s not a big deal," he said. 

Another issue some older players coming over from Europe face is the artificial turf at some grounds in MLS. Thierry Henry famously refused to play on the surface during his time with the New York Red Bulls. Although the turf isn't ideal, Kaka just sees it as part of the game. 

“I don’t have any problem playing on turf. For sure, I prefer to play on the natural field. Our field is turf. In our new stadium, it will be natural. I have no problem to play on a turf field," the Brazilian explained. 

One oddity about MLS Kaka spoke volumes about was the parity throughout the standings. On any given day, the last-placed side in the league could spring an upset on a team such as Seattle, D.C. or LA. 

“That’s very good because it creates competition between the teams. Nobody can lay down. Nobody can just give up in the middle of the season because everyone can have a chance to be in the play-offs at the end," he said.

"I think that’s very good and for us as players it makes us ready for every game. You have to be ready for every game because you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think it’s a positive thing," Kaka continued. 

Although five months is a small sample size to judge the skill levels of certain opponents, the midfielder did go out of his way to praise a few stars he's already encountered on the MLS circuit. 

“There are some players [who have impressed me]. The midfielder of Columbus, No. 6 [Tony Tchani]. He’s a very good player. [Clint] Dempsey is very good, and [Bradley] Wright-Phillips is playing very good," Kaka said. 

While he may be one of the top figures in MLS at the moment, Kaka is only one of a handful of Brazilians to ever set foot on an MLS pitch. He believes that is about to change for not only Brazilian stars but those coming over from Europe in their prime like Sebastian Giovinco has already. 

“Yes I think so. Here it’s creating a market. China is a big market but China is more for the money. Here is the market for the professional career. Here is going to create a lot of opportunities for South Americans, North Americans and Europeans as well and play a career of five to 10 years. I think the future is going to be a great opportunity [for foreigners] to be here," Kaka said. 

As for the status of the Brazil national team, the 33-year-old, who has 89 caps for his country, remained optimistic about the Selecao despite their recent struggles:

“[The] Brazil national team right now is a transition moment. We just came from a very tough World Cup. After that, I think Dunga did a good job winning games. But there is a long way to the next World Cup so he can still work on that. Every game, every step I think Brazil is going to bring the confidence back."

One way the Selecao can bring confidence back to themselves and the proud footballing nation is to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Not only will the men be looking for redemption but the Brazilian women will be looking to enhance their status in the sport after an early exit at the Women's World Cup this summer.

“The Olympics would be great for us. As an event for Brazilians, it will be a great event, but in soccer, there is much more meaning because Brazil’s never won the Olympic games. So it will be a great opportunity for us to get this gold medal. For the women, I think it’s a great opportunity as well. The United States and Japan are one step ahead of us, but the motivation for the women to play at home will be a big point for us," the scorer of 29 international goals said.

As for what the future holds, Kaka decided to keep the focus on his current situation in Orlando ahead of the play-off push. 

“I don’t know. I’m focusing in the moment now. I have this year and two more [in Orlando]," he concluded.