New York City FC know that they aren’t scoring as many goals as they would like at this point in the 2024 season and lead striker Mounsef Bakrar, along with head coach Nick Cushing, know that there are questions to answer. However, both are not lacking in confidence that the corner is being turned with only results as the final indicator.
“The progression has been exceptional,” said Cushing when asked about how far along his lead striker is. “He’s in the top categories for pressing numbers, for expected goals. All of this progression is what’s given him the goal chances. We want him to score goals. We want the team to be further ahead all the time. If we were second I would want to be first. That is the nature of supporting and wanting to win.”
Bakrar has yet to find the back of the net in 2024, despite all of the categories that Cushing says he leads in. It is undeniable that the opportunities have been there for the Algerian striker but the clinical nature of finishing those chances has eluded him. Now, heading into the team’s ninth game of the season, it isn’t just the team that needs him to keep their position in the table. It may be soon that lack of results may lead to other options.
City have not been shy about how they have handled the rehabilitation of Talles Magno. The Brazilian forward has carried a knee injury into this season that has stunted his ability to be on the field for NYC. This week, Magno participated in training and may soon be an option should the player feel he is ready in the coming weeks. This means that Bakrar’s chances at proving his worth as the team’s top striking option are dwindling fast.
“Having a relationship that is based on what is best for the team whilst what is best for Mounsef is 100 percent the right direction to go in,” said Cushing about potentially sitting Bakrar. “I don’t rule that out. Of course the best situation for Mounsef is to keep getting opportunities and to keep being put in the situation of getting goal chances and that can come in many ways.”
As for Bakrar himself, his confidence doesn’t appear to be lacking. While the stat-sheet doesn’t reflect where he or the team wish to be, he knows that there is confidence in him from within the coaching staff but also that there will come a time where he’ll have to produce to return the good favor.
‘I’m expecting goals soon,” said Bakrar. “I’m working hard for this and I’m trying to make my finishing better. That’s normal. At least I’m trying to help the team. I’m trying to help them on the pitch, especially in press, having the ball to make space for them and it doesn’t matter who scored as we’re just trying to get the three points. That’s the first thing that matters. I’m working hard.”
photo by Jordan Banks