New York City FC escaped Columbus last week with an important point and a clean sheet but head coach Pascal Jansen is still searching for the team’s breakout performance. The team’s star forward Alonso Martinez will be back in the lineup for their trip to Atlanta but the first-year coach is looking for consistency from his club.
“We’re trying to establish a certain consistency throughout the season,” said Jansen in the team’s pre-match press conference. “A huge part is also being more consistent on the road. For us, this game is just a small part within that process. That’s what we’re trying to focus on.”
While Jansen may be looking for consistency, the team has proven itself formidable when compared to other Eastern Conference opposition. Goalkeeper Matt Freese continues to be dominant while Martinez has shown that he is the striker the team has sought since the departure of Valentin Castellanos. Julian Fernandez has also made it a point of solidifying his position in recent weeks.
Atlanta will provide a unique challenge. Their new head coach is rather familiar with City, Ronny Deila led the team to a 2021 MLS Cup championship, achieving what has not been done in the area since the New York Cosmos in the early 1980’s. Now, he hopes to bring his style of football to Atlanta and disrupt the early season success of NYC.
“We all need to adapt,” said team captain Thiago Martins. “Sometimes we have to adjust a bit. The way we press, the way we push the line. We always work hard to improve together. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing with Justin (Haak) or Birk (Risa). We always give our best to support each other and get better.”
Currently NYCFC is sitting on eight points with a 2-2-1 record. The only loss they suffered was at the hands of LAFC. Their road toughness has been on display with difficult trips to California, Miami and Columbus. That will continue this weekend as the team travels to Mercedes Benz Stadium in Georgia.
“Lessons to be learned on the road going forward,” said Jansen about his team’s performances away from home. “Being on the road in Miami was a good game from our side in certain phases. LA was a good game for our side but we didn’t get the result. Now we went to Columbus and our participation in this game was far less than we would like it to be.”
Jansen and City are hoping that changes as the club will play Saturday night against a tough Atlanta side featuring the likes of Miguel Almiron and Latte Lath.
photo by Jordan Bank