New Season, New Coach, Same Team

New York City Football Club start the season largely where they left last season with the only notable addition being new coach, Pascal Jansen. The club is looking to a strong core of players, youth players, and hopefully some new signings to compete this year. 

With the club not adding any players of note in the offseason as of yet, New York City look set to start the season relying on existing chemistry. “a big benefit for me coming in as a new coach because the players know each other on-and-off the pitch, which helps the chemistry on the pitch. My mission is to mold a team that is compatible for every game in MLS and be more consistent throughout the MLS competition. So that’s a big challenge, but the chemistry being there helps.” Jansen said at a recent press conference. He has spoken about the need for the team to take it to a higher level this season in intensity and style of play.

Santi Rodriguez is on his way out it seems with a transfer to Brazil in the works.

That challenge may prove difficult with James Sands leaving the club for Germany and the recent rumors of Santiago Rodriguez being sold to the Brazilian league. Thirty-seven year old Maxi Morales looks to be the only true #10 on the roster and will be a vital part in taking the attack to another level. Justin Haak looks to build on his success at the end of last season and step into Sand’s role in defensive midfield. The question remains of how does the club replace Rodriguez’s offensive contributions on the pitch. His twelve goals and ten assists last year were vital for the club and it will be up to players like Julian Fernandez and Augustin Ojeda to improve there play and results on the pitch.

Oct 2, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC forward Alonso Martinez (16) celebrates after scoring a goal against FC Cincinnati in the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The club still has a proven goal scorer in Alonso Martinez, but in the preseason Jansen has played Martinez on the wing up top with Monsef Bakrar.  Nick Cushing almost never had the two on the pitch at the same time so perhaps Jansen is onto something. Both of the players had very good Coachella outings in preseason. 

Justin Haak and Maxi Morales will have even bigger roles in 2025

All in all, the club has had a good preseason and Jansen seems excited about the prospects of the coming year, but the club must look to add players either early in the season or in the summer window to compete in a season packed with Leagues Cup, Open Cup and regular MLS games. With the season opener against Miami happening this weekend New York City will learn a lot very quickly.