New York City FC Head Coach Pascal Jansen says his team’s mentality will remain consistent as they shift focus to Leagues Cup competition.
New York City open their Phase One campaign against Puebla on Tuesday evening, followed by games against Club León and Toluca. While the schedule is demanding this month, Jansen stressed that his side’s approach will not waver from the mindset that has fueled a three-game unbeaten streak.
“The mindset is the same as every game,” he said. “We don't make any separate plans going into the MLS or the League Cup, for that matter. We're going to go into this tournament to win the games and get as far as we can.
“However, we are playing a lot of games in a short period of time, so you also have to take care of your players, and that's something we'll take into consideration.
“But this opponent is intriguing. They play with a lot of intensity, very aggressive, also a lot of movement.
“What I do like about them—the technical skill level is at a very, very good level also. So I'm very curious to see how we can hold ourselves against this team and all the other Mexican teams, for that matter, because the Mexican league is highly rated.”
With the Liga MX season only just underway, Tuesday's encounter presents two teams at very different stages of their respective campaigns. It will also mark Jansen’s first time coaching against a Mexican opponent—an experience he’s relishing.
“I saw that the Mexican league just kicked off and they played three games, lost their first two and won the last game.
“The way they play is also very interesting, like I just mentioned to your colleague, because the intensity and the aggression they play with, and the attacking mindset which has come across in analyzing the team, is something that I find very intriguing.
“The technical quality of the team, everybody is very comfortable on the ball, so I'm very curious to see how my team will hold up against these Mexican opponents.
“As I said just now, I think they're very highly rated as a league and the teams in Mexico. So it's going to be an interesting confrontation starting tomorrow.”
Beyond the matchup, Jansen also praised the broader significance of Leagues Cup as he prepares for his first taste of the rivalry between the United States and Mexico.
“I think it's a beautiful initiative. I'm really, really looking forward to it,” he said.
“I've heard many stories about it, and it's always been a rivalry between the Mexican and American teams, and we've seen that just recently, also with the Gold Cup final, how hectic it can be and how intense it can get.
“I'm hoping for the same atmosphere in our games going forward this week.”
You can purchase tickets to New York City FC's Leagues Cup games here.
