Vieira Anticipates Toronto FC, Looks Forward to NYC FC Development

NYC FC head coach Patrick Vieira (Photo by Rob Samuels – Double G Media)

Following the first game against Chicago Fire, New York City Football Club (1-0) head coach Patrick Vieira learned that the quality of the league surpassed his expectations; far greater and more exciting than anticipated. He observed that his team performs at an elite level and is physically strong, with great organization.

“The MLS is much much better and stronger than what people think, on the other side of the continent,” Vieira said.

As NYC FC continues to progress throughout the season, Vieira envisions where he would like to see his team in the coming years and understands that is all a process. As the next match approaches, Vieira is making small changes in order to be prepared for Toronto FC.

“We know what to expect so we will be well prepared. We know that it will be difficult but we have been preparing all week,” Vieira said.

Although it does take time to adjust and make changes, Vieira would like to see that the team keeps up to tempo and moves quickly towards accomplishing the goals he has set in place.

“I believe that to build up a successful football team you have to be patient because I think time will help you to do it,” Vieira said. “But in football we don’t have time, especially when we are in a city like New York. So it will be important to us to be successful, to win, and to play well.”

With the direction and leadership of Coach Vieira, as he moves his team towards a successful season, his players are responsive to his ideas and methods.

(Photo by Rob Samuels – Double G Media)

Midfielder, Andrea Pirlo joined NYC FC in 2015 and sees his opportunity to play for coach as a way to enhance the club level and set a standard for the rest of the team. Pirlo actually competed against Vieira and said it was an interesting and challenging experience. But now, Pirlo views his coach as an innovative leader in the MLS; who has the ability to change the game of soccer in the U.S.

“He came with a change of pace for all of us. He really wants to win. he is changing our frame of mind, but he also wants to help change soccer in the United States, “ Pirlo said. “So we are following him. We are following his direction and we really hope the results will confirm this is the right [coach].”

There are a lot of positive reaffirmations to take away from the first NYC FC performance against Chicago Fire, which are recognized by identifying errors and then looking ahead.

“In the first game we were able to score 4 goals but we learned from our mistakes and we don’t want to make those same mistakes again this year,” Forward, David Villa said.

The process that the coaches and players with NYC FC should bring a spark to the formation and as the players execute, the transformation will be noticeable. Moving forward, NYC FC goal keeper Josh Saunders hopes to see the team act more aggressively on offense.

“We need to be dangerous going forward, keeping the ball in possession on the front force of the field. I think just the natural progression of being more attack oriented and more dangerous- hopefully will make my job a little bit more easier,” Saunders said.

NYC FC will host Toronto FC as the home-opener on Sunday, March 13 at 5:00PM at Yankee Stadium.