Nick Cushing has stressed the need to understand the process as New York City FC look to claim more points on the road.
City are preparing for the first of four consecutive road games which kicks off with a trip to Austin FC this weekend. Cushing’s side have already claimed road wins against Toronto, Philadelphia, and New England Revolution, with Saturday representing a chance to claim a fourth road win of the campaign.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Cushing spoke of the need to understand the process as his side looks to return to winning ways on the road.
“It's about learning and it's about the process,” Cushing said.
“We were really pleased to win the three away games on the run. We went to Toronto, Philadelphia, and New England and then were disappointed to lose the LA and Nashville games.
“I think for me, I have to see dissatisfaction and disappointment in those games when we lose, and I did.
“It's all about learning. It is all about making sure during our four road games that we have the ability to take the learnings from the wins and the losses.
“The three wins weren't perfection and the three losses weren’t a catastrophe. It is five away games with three wins.
“That's much better than last year because we won one of our road games. We have to continue to learn, we have tocontinue on the journey and make sure that we take the learnings out of both situations because they will prepare us for this four-game road spell.
New York City FC take to the field at Q2 Stadium on Saturday knowing they will likely be facing the challenge of a warm weather climate.
Cushing confirmed his side will train in the evening to simulate the conditions they will experience 24 hours later, but won’t deviate from their high-intensity style.
“I think you have to expect that - we don't adjust our game plan, we don't adjust our style,” Cushing said.
“I think it's impossible to do that now. The attacking mentality is what we want as coaches. I've got a really stronganalysis and data team.
“We've done a lot of work across the effects of heat and climate of MLS and I don't think it's about changing your style, maybe it's just the effect of the volume of the intensity that you use.”
“We experienced it in Nashville - it was really warm there - but I was pleased with the intensity and how we controlled the intensity of the game.
“Austin will be more experienced at training and playing here. We have to retain what we're really strong at.
“The players are prepared and I think it's about the execution and the understanding of how you control the volume of intensity within the game.”
