New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen is placing a heavy emphasis on intensity and chemistry as the team continues to prepare for the 2025 MLS season.
Jansen spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon before City’s final preseason match against Minnesota United on Saturday. The Dutch coach is confident in the team’s progress as they gear up for their season opener on February 22.
“What I'm looking for is a higher intensity in training, so we can apply that during games,” he explained.
“I think if you look at our games in Coachella, you see that we're able to keep that intensity in games and make sure that we have a lot of attacking play on the pitch.
“Yesterday [against St. Louis CITY SC] we got to try a few other guys who've been part of the roster since the beginning of preseason, but as we are progressing towards February 22, I hope we can maintain the intensity in training and in games in order to be more successful.”
City’s new head coach stressed from day one of preseason that the team’s preparations were all aimed at ensuring they are ready for competitive action when they kick off their MLS campaign against Inter Miami CF later this month.
“This is the moment that we're preparing for,” he explained.
“Once we started on the first day we mentioned February 22, is the moment to be ready as a team. So we're progressing every day, and we'll be ready once February 22 is there in order to be competing again in MLS.”
The coach also discussed the team’s work on offensive movement and defensive stability.
“In offense, we have some other details that we're looking for. Deep runs is a big part of our approach at this moment and defensively, we have to be more stable in order to be competing at a different level.”
Part of the excitement for Jansen is seeing how the Club’s attackers develop their on-field chemistry.
Asked about using Alonso Marínez and Mounsef Bakrar together, Jansen said it was exciting to see the pair play in the same team.
“You use the word chemistry, which is very important, because you have to feel each other out as attackers.
“Both of them are good as a number nine, but both are also able to score a lot of goals. So for me, it's a great opportunity to see them work together, and this was the perfect moment to apply during a game, and to be honest, I was quite satisfied with the things I saw during this game. So it helps us to have more tools in our toolbox once we go to battle for the competitive games.”
He went on to add: “My vision is to mold a team that is compatible for every game in MLS. To be more consistent throughout the MLS competition. So that's a big challenge, but the chemistry being there helps.
“Having young players on the roster who have grown during the past season and will be more mature this season helps a lot. I must say, the learning capacity and the openness and the willingness to exchange new ideas has been fantastic so far. That is something that we're looking forward to once we start to be competitive again next week.”
New York City FC's final match in the Coachella Valley Invitaiotnal sees them take on Minnesota United on Saturday, February 15. You can watch the game live on www.newyorkcityfc.com.
