The current manager of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC is Vanni Sartini. Sartini took over as interim manager in August 2021 after Marc Dos Santos was relieved of his duties. In November 2021, Sartini’s interim tag was removed and he was named the permanent head coach of the Whitecaps.
Sartini’s Background
Prior to becoming the Whitecaps manager, Sartini served as an assistant coach for the team starting in 2020. He joined the club after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with Austin Bold FC in the USL Championship. Sartini has an extensive background in coaching in Italy before making the move to North America. He holds a UEFA Pro License and speaks four languages – Italian, English, Spanish and French.
Born in Florence, Italy, Sartini played professionally in the Italian lower leagues. He began his coaching career in Italy in 2001 at the age of 25. Over the next 15 years, Sartini gained experience coaching youth teams and in the Serie D league. He served as both an assistant and head coach during this time.
In 2016, Sartini made the move to the United States to join the coaching staff of the San Antonio FC in the USL. After two seasons there, he moved on to Austin Bold FC where he caught the attention of the Whitecaps front office. His success in Austin led to his hiring in Vancouver in 2020.
Taking Over as Interim Manager
Sartini took over as interim manager of the Whitecaps in August 2021 after the club parted ways with Marc Dos Santos. At the time, the Whitecaps were struggling with a 3-7-6 record and were tied for last place in the Western Conference. In the 12 remaining matches under Sartini, the Whitecaps went 5-2-5 and barely missed out on a playoff spot, showing improvements on both offense and defense down the stretch.
The on-field improvement and the rapport Sartini built with the players during his interim spell convinced the Whitecaps front office he deserved the job on a permanent basis. In November 2021, the ‘interim’ tag was removed and Sartini was officially named as head coach.
Coaching Style and Philosophy
Sartini brings an attacking style of soccer focused on high pressing and maintaining possession. His Italian influences are apparent in his emphasis on technical soccer with quick passing and organized build up through the midfield. Sartini encourages his players to be confident and creative with the ball at their feet.
Defensively, Sartini deploys a high press to win the ball back quickly when possession is lost. He preaches the importance of the entire team defending in a compact shape when out of possession. Sartini also believes firmly in tailoring his tactics and lineups based on each opponent.
In terms of management, Sartini takes a hands-on approach. He is known for being very active on the training pitch providing constant instruction and feedback to his players. Sartini also builds close relationships with his players, taking the time to understand them both on and off the field.
2022 Season Results
In Sartini’s first full season as Whitecaps manager in 2022, the club showed improvement but failed to reach the playoffs. Here are some key facts and statistics from Vancouver’s 2022 MLS campaign under Sartini:
- Final record: 12-15-7 (43 points)
- Finished 7th in Western Conference (missed playoffs)
- 51 goals scored (ranked 9th in MLS)
- 54 goals allowed (14th best in MLS)
- 12-5-2 record at home
- 0-10-5 record on road
While the team continued to struggle on the road, Sartini guided them to an impressive home record at BC Place. However, the Whitecaps lacked consistency both home and away to contend for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference.
Key Players in 2022
Some of the Whitecaps top performers under Sartini in 2022 included:
- Lucas Cavallini – Led the team with 9 goals
- Ryan Gauld – Team-high 6 assists and named Whitecaps Player of the Year
- Pedro Vite – Young striker showed promise with 5 goals in limited minutes
- Ranko Veselinovic – Led Vancouver with 75 clearances and 63 interceptions
- Thomas Hasal – Made crucial saves and finished with a respectable 2.2 GAA
What to Expect in 2023
Heading into 2023, Sartini will look to build on the positives from his first full season in charge while addressing areas of weakness. With a year of experience with his players, Sartini will aim to implement his style and tactics more effectively. The club will need to improve its away form and defensive consistency to contend for a playoff spot next season.
Developing young players like Veselinovic, Vite and Hasal will also be a priority for Sartini in 2023. The arrival of new designated player Andrés Cubas should provide a boost to the midfield. The Whitecaps will also look to add a few more offensive weapons to complement Cavallini and Gauld.
Expect Sartini to have Vancouver organized and competitive in 2023. With stability in the manager position, the club will be focused on returning to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Improvement on the road and better defensive organization will be points of emphasis for Sartini’s squad next season.
Conclusion
Vanni Sartini took over as Whitecaps manager in difficult circumstances in August 2021 but impressed enough during his interim spell to earn the permanent job. His attacking style and hands-on approach were evident during the 2022 campaign. While still a work in progress, Sartini has Vancouver on an upward trajectory. With a full preseason to implement his system and roster additions like Cubas, Sartini will look to lead the Whitecaps back to the playoffs in 2023.