Patrick Vieira is under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge he and his side face over the coming weeks.
Three tough road games stand between NYCFC and a return to their native Big Apple, starting down in Texas with a game against Major League Soccer’s only unbeaten team.
FC Dallas won the Supporters Shield in 2016 and are yet to be defeated this term, meaning Vieira is forecasting a stiff examination of his side’s quality and resilience.
Vieira told NYCFC.com: “Yes, of course, they are one of the best teams in MLS.
“When you look, they managed to win the league last season and they have some really good players. They play well, they’ve got pace, they’ve got technique – it’s going to be a big challenge for us but I’m looking forward to it.”
Part of the challenge for Patrick will be managing his squad across three games in seven days, at Dallas, Real Salt Lake and Orlando City.
It’s all part of elite management, utilizing resources to ensure you have the best chance of success in all of the games, and Vieira is relisihing the challenge.
“It’s not going to be easy,” he said. “Dallas, Salt Lake and Orlando are going to be a tough three games but at the same time it’s going to be a good challenge for us.
“How can we prepare the team to be ready? We look at the best way to travel as well. How can we manage to have every player fit?
“That’s quite exciting. It’s not easy but we’re looking forward to it as I feel we have a good plan in place to challenge all the teams we’re going to face.”
It’s the quarter way stage in the Regular Season already and NYCFC are in fine form going into this Texan tussle.
Taking stock with nine games down, Patrick admits some frustration but, on the whole, he’s satisfied with what he’s seen from his new-look squad.
Vieira added: “It’s been up and down – when you look at the games we’ve played so far, the results have made for a lot of frustration of course because I believe we should have more points than we have at the moment.
“Overall, I’m pleased with the way we’ve been playing. The team is looking better game after game and we have to just keep that momentum and try to win our next game.”
