It’s time to get down to business.
There are no more rehearsals or recitals for Patrick Vieira and his new-look NYCFC team.
The 2017 MLS season gets under way on Sunday evening at Orlando City’s new stadium and the Head Coach is eager to get started.
He told NYCFC.com: “I’m really happy with the way we’ve been working for the last couple of weeks and we’re going to be ready to take on a really good side in Orlando.
“This is what you want as a football player, to play in good stadiums with good atmospheres. We’re going to have the opening game in the stadium and we’re really looking forward to it.
“The attitude of the players has been really good – we are all really excited and ready for the opening game.”
Patrick admits that it will take some time for him to know his best XI in the upcoming season.
With players joining the club right through February, the tactical side of the game may take some time to click with the newcomers but Vieira is pleased with the fitness and competitive spirit in his squad.
“It’s going to take time – obviously, it is difficult to have players coming in at different times,” he reflected.
“The tactical work takes time for players to understand what I want from them but I was pleased with the last few games we played.
“We’re getting better game after game and we will be ready. What I’m most happy about is the physical side of the game. I think we'll compete really well in our first game because of the work that’s been put in this preseason on the physical side.
“Of course, tactically we still have some things to do but it will be the same for Orlando and the same for the majority of the teams in MLS.”
Vieira has been watching Orlando’s moves in the offseason closely and he knows there’s a lot more to them than just Kaka.
He pointed to threats posed by Cyle Larin, who has a habit of scoring on NYCFC, as well as Antonio Nocerino who used to play for Milan.
Vieira said: “They have a clear idea about the players they’ve wanted to bring to the football club. When you look at their squad and team, there is not a lot of movement from last season, so there is stability at the club.
“You don’t need to talk about Kaka – you know how good he is. He’s won everything and he’s one of the best in this league, he was one of the best players in Europe but for me, their team isn’t just about Kaka – they also have Nocerino, Larin...
“They’ve got pace and they’ve got power. We have to be at our best if we want to take something home with us.”
