CF Montreal 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
CF Montreal enjoyed an excellent 2022 campaign but will do well to maintain those standards this year after a winter of change.
The Canadian side finished second in the Eastern Conference - their best return as an MLS side yet - going on to reach the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
However, over the winter period, Montreal have lost head coach Wilfried Nancy to the Columbus Crew, while key players such as Djordje Mihailovic and Alistair Johnston have departed to test themselves in Europe.
New head coach Hernan Losada has his work cut out, but also has a point to prove following his difficult time with DC United.
So, here's everything you need to know about CF Montreal ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
How did CF Montreal perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 2nd in Eastern Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
- Canadian Championship: Semi-Finals
CF Montreal transfer activity
Transfers in
Playerq | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
George Campbell | Atlanta United | $900k |
Aaron Herrera | Real Salt Lake | $500k |
Ilias Iliadis | Panathinaikos | Free transfer |
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint | Young Reds | Undisclosed |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Ismael Kone | Watford | $8.4m |
Djordje Mihailovic | AZ Alkmaar | $6m |
Alistair Johnston | Celtic | $4m |
Joaquin Torres | Philadelphia Union | $800k |
Zorhan Bassong | FC Arges | Free transfer |
Bjorn Johnsen | SC Cambuur | Free transfer |
Karifa Yao | Vancouver Whitecaps | Draft |
Jean-Aniel Assi | Atletico Ottawa | Loan |
Keesean Ferdinand | - | Released |
Tomas Giraldo | - | Released |
Gabriele Corbo | Bologna | End of loan |
Sebastian Breza | Bologna | End of loan |
Hernan Losada: Tactics and style of play
The appointment of Hernan Losada definitely seems to have been made with the plan of continuing the work done by Wilfried Nancy in mind.
Losada lines up in a 3-4-2-1 system that isn't a million miles away from Nancy's preferred setup. However, where things differ is in just how much Losada expects from his team.
Expect CF Montreal to have their foot to the floor for the entire season, pressing high and intensely, aiming to win the ball back within seconds before slicing through the opposition on the counter.
Whether or not Montreal can maintain the standards and output required of Losada's teams over the course of a full season remains to be seen, especially with how many key players they've lost during the winter. Either way, it's going to be fun finding out.
CF Montreal predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Pantemis; Miller, Waterman, Campbell; Herrera, Wanyama, Piette, Lappalainen; Hamdi, Quioto; Toye.
Who is CF Montreal's key player?
Victor Wanyama
For Hernan Losada's teams, success is often dictated by how much energy and output he can extract from his attacking players but while that'll remain the same here, he's likely going to lean on Victor Wanyama, too.
The Kenyan will be expected to sit at the base of midfield and hold down the fort while those around him go for a full-on offensive.
If an attack breaks down, it'll be up to Wanyama to break up the counter. If Montreal pick up the ball deep inside their own half, he'll be expected to play the big pass forward to start a break of their own.
What's more, with so many players leaving this offseason, Wanyama's experience is going to be crucial in molding this group together.
CF Montreal 2023 season prediction
Being realistic, CF Montreal's best chances of success will come in the cups, with the Canadian Championship often pitting them against weaker Canadian Premier League opposition.
During the slog of an MLS season, Losada's system has the potential to completely burn his players out. That's not to mention the head coach himself having a lot of critics to answer in Major League Soccer.
A hard bump down to earth.
Will CF Montreal qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? No