ORLANDO, Fla. – There is a time-honored phrase that British soccer managers used to use about their star players, the ones who could run all day and still lap the field at the end. “He’s as fit as a butcher’s dog,” they'd say, and no further explanation was needed.
At Orlando City SC’s media day on Friday, the Lions’ British head coach Adrian Heath set the scene for his Designated Player, Kaká. The only surprise was that he didn’t use that phrase to describe his former World Player of the Year.
That's because Kaká is ready for the new season with all the vim and vigor of the canine in question, a thoroughbred straining at the leash and eager to improve on his 2015 showing. He's sleek and fit after an offseason of careful physical tuning, bursting with promise after scoring four goals in his first three preseason outings then adding four assists in the Lions' final tuneup.
Both Heath and Kaká served notice that the league should expect an even more rarefied version of last year’s model, who romped away with the All-Star MVP award.
“He has come back from the offseason very fit,” Heath said of his Brazilian star. “And he is clearly really motivated this year to have a top season. I think we will see even more of him than we did last year and, if we can get him to 12 to 15 goals, that will be huge for us.”
Kaká managed nine goals and seven assists from central midfield in 2015. But Heath emphasized they will aim to have their No. 10 playing further forward and closer to Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin this time around. Clearly, the aim is to cause more problems in and around the penalty box.
Kaká himself insists he can do more – and he certainly expects more from himself this season. There is also more intensity about the captain in 2016, a greater comfort level with the league and the different range of challenges it presents.
“Last year was so important for me in terms of experience,” he said. “But I think this year is going to be much better. It all starts from knowing each other better, but now I understand this league and the teams, how they work and what they do.
“For sure I have to improve and do better. Last year was my first year in the league, so everything was new. I had a new coach and new teammates, so everything can only be better this time. I prepared myself even during the offseason because I want to improve my numbers – I want everything to be better than last season.”
The plan to put him in more dangerous areas of the field, something that is already paying off with his four-goal haul this month.
“Personally, I will try to play more close to the goal,” Kaká said. “That’s the area I think I can make a big difference. Even if I don’t touch the ball so many times in the game, I would be looking for that one chance to make an impact.
“Winning the MLS Cup one day is going to be very big in my career and I think we are ready to take the next step.”
While Kaká is looking to forge a closer partnership with Larin, he is also aware that Kevin Molino's return from injury gives him another attacking string to his bow.
Trinidadian midfielder Molino was just starting to combine well with his captain when he suffered an ACL injury last May and missed most of the season. But after two preseason appearances, he is close to being ready to resume his role on the right flank that held so much promise.
“Kevin’s return will help us a lot,” Kaká said. “I love the way he plays. He thinks in a different way, he is smart on the field and he is good technically. I am cheering for him because he needs that and he is a good guy. This can be a big year for him.”
Larin echoed these sentiments.
“It feels like Kevin hasn’t been away, and he’s been there from the beginning,” Larin said. “I know Kaká likes playing with him and he fits right in. He can change the game, too, and if other teams are going to defend us, one of us is going to get open and cause problems.
“If I don’t score I know Kaká can still get open, and if he doesn’t, then Kevin can be the one. I don’t think teams are going to contain all three of us.”
