Nick Cushing is excited to hone the tactical details as his side enter next phase of preseason.
NYCFC will compete in three games as part of the Coachella Valley invitational, with their first game kicking off on Wednesday with a game against San Jose Earthquakes at 3pm ET. Fans will be able to watch the team live on nycfc.com and on the Club’s YouTube channel.
Speaking after the team arrived in California, head coach Nick Cushing confirmed the team will now seek to work on the finer details as they prepare for the MLS season opener later this month.
“I said when we were in Tampa that we want to we want to play an aggressive style of the game and we want to we want to be an exciting team,” Cushing said. "The focus of the last camp was really to push the physical side of the game.
“I’m trying to get the group to embrace the physical side of the game that we want to play. We were really pleased with what we got from the group and really happy with the performances that we got in the games.
“Now it's about really honing the tactical side of the game and embedding the detail in the group.”
Elsewhere, Cushing welcomed the arrival of Strahinja Tanasijević to the Club.
The Serbian defender arrived at New York City FC from Serbian side FK Spartak Subotica after signing a contract through the 2025 MLS season.
The talented defender has previously spent time in France and Italy earlier in his career, as well as in the Serbian Super Liga.
“I must say I'm really pleased to bring Strahinja in,” Cushing said.
“I think it’s excellent that we've got the deal done and we've now got it announced. I think he has the profile of a defender that I really wanted to add to our group.
“He gives us more depth, gives us competition for places across our back line. He's a really aggressive defender that has the ability to play the line high.
“He has good speed, he’s a really good football player, so fits with our style. I think we're just really keen to get him in now and get him in with the group.
“Obviously we have to go through the process, but we’re really pleased that we've added into the group.”
Cushing was also able to speak on another new arrival in Agustín Ojeda.
The talented forward joined City from Racing in his native Argentina after impressing in his homeland, with his new head coach excited by the dynamic profile he offers in attack.
“He was somebody that I know will improve our group,” Cushing said of Ojeda. "He will give us that real dynamic attacking, one v one, speed, excellent in running in behind.
“He’s a guy that will really bolster our attacking side of the game because it gives us depth, it gives us different profiles across: Santiago Rodríguez, Hannes Wolf, Talles Magno, Agustin, Julián Fernández, Andres Jasson, Mounsef Bakrar.
“We want to have a team that can be flexible tactically. We've really focused on blending and balancing those attacking players.
He went on to add: “I want him here on the training field. I’m excited and another addition that I think the fans will be excited for.”
