Interim Rapids coach Chris Little stresses togetherness; Pádraig Smith talks search

COMMERCE CITY — Colorado Rapids interim head coach Chris Little has one goal in mind for his eight games in charge of a desperate club in desperate times: Break the downward spiral.

On Friday, the Rapids short-term boss addressed media members for the first time since his former boss, Robin Fraser, parted ways with the club Tuesday. Little knows the Rapids are in a demanding stretch with seven games in 22 days, but keeping the team united will come down to two things: Simplicity and togetherness.

“Our first meeting with the players the day after was really on, ‘let’s take ownership of this situation’, from a coaching staff from every department (in the club), to the players,” Little said. “… How are we going to correct this problem? What’s the identity we need as a team to allow you to be successful? We have some behaviors that are going to be important to us until the end of the season.”

Taking ownership means, according to Little, being firm in their team principles such as not giving up transition goals and turning the tables on their opponents to find offense. Colorado has scored 16 goals this season and has been shut out in nine of the last 10 league games. Little isn’t afraid to shake things up, and said whoever’s the best 11 will play.

“There are two ways (to restore offensive confidence): Are we having the right behaviors when we’re in possession, out of it and in transition? It starts with that,” Little said. “The next layer is clarity and simplifying a player’s role and what are we expecting of them individually, within their line and within the units of the game? Providing that clarity, simplifying it I think will hopefully lead to confidence, improved performances and ultimately results — which our fans need.”

The staff will be meeting with the players’ senior leadership group weekly for open and honest conversations about from the players’ side of things about what needs to change. The staff believes it will translate to its home form. Colorado will end the season with five of its last eight — and four of the next five games — at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Attributes in a head coach

On Wednesday, president Pádraig Smith spoke for an hour about the state of the club, and what the coaching search will look like. He confirmed it will conclude by the winter transfer window and MLS SuperDraft. He said the search is rooted in finding a coach who has a shared philosophy with Colorado. Sticking to the club vision in all facets will be imperative. It will be a team that’s built on speed, transitional attacking skills, and using altitude as an extra man.

“One of the key things for me is to make sure that the new head coach fully believes in our identity,” Smith said. “That is their identity, too, and how they see the game. I think that’s incredibly important that they buy into that, because that then limits the opportunity for any deviation from that.”

Smith confirmed that MLS experience will be important to consider, but didn’t rule out international experience. As Major League Soccer has continued to grow both in size and player quality, more coaches from overseas have succeeded. He said the club has “been inundated” with inquiries into applying for the role.

To Smith, it’s clear: Sticking to the club identity and principles comes first. Development of players will also be imperative, and implementing a successful game plan that stays true to the team’s hard-nosed roots and also leads to wins.

“We will have very clear criteria,” Smith said.

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