Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa key to NYCFC play-off push, says Patrick Vieira
Thursday 29 September 2016 16:20, UK
New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira says that marquee players Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa will be key as his side prepares for the MLS play-offs.
A 4-1 home victory against the Chicago Fire - combined with a victory for rivals New York Red Bulls - means City have clinched a play-off berth for the first time in their history, with their campaign set to start at the end of October.
It has not been smooth sailing for Vieira, who struggled to get the team to function initially, the low point coming in a heavy 7-0 defeat to city rivals New York Red Bulls in May.
But the Frenchman - in his first senior position as a manager after working with Manchester City's Elite Development Squad, believes he has now found a system that balances the experience of his three marquee players with the promising youth at his disposal.
"They [Lampard, Pirlo and Villa] have a lot of experience on the field and off the field, so that's why they will help and be really important in the play-off time," Vieira told ProSoccerTalk.
"I am really quite pleased because I have a really good mix between young players and experienced players and I think if we manage that well, we will give ourselves some more chances."
New York City have lost just three out of their last ten games in MLS and still have an outside chance of winning the Supporters' Shield.
Vieira believes that keeping their belief - even during the tough times - has been key but despite securing a play-off spot he still wants more.
"We are in a really good period," he added. "We had some ups and downs during the season but to qualify for the play-offs was just a small step to what we want to do as a football club. We want to be successful. We want to win silverware."
"What is important is to believe in ourselves. I want us to really focus on what we've been doing since the beginning of the season, I think we've had a clear philosophy of how we want to play and we have to stick to that philosophy and not try to do something that we didn't try already and which didn't work. I think our togetherness has helped us to be there and we just have to believe in that."
Vieira was the captain of Arsenal's Invincibles under Arsene Wenger and, like his former manager, he says that his philosophy is attack whenever they have the chance.
"We want to be really offensive, really dynamic and play with a lot of energy," he said. "Of course it is not going to be easy but we need to find a way to do it because we want to represent the city.
"It is about attacking football, an attacking way of playing, it is scoring goals and I think at times we have done it quite while. It is also to play with a lot of energy, passion and for the players to give 100 per cent. You can win the game, you can lose the game… but what is important is that when the players are on the field, they give everything."
Vieira is one of the more high-profile coaches in MLS at the moment but his aim is to keep improving himself as a player each and every day. He also touched on how surprised he has been by his experiences in the league thus far.
"My number one priority is to do well with the team and to be a better coach every single day. When I have a day off there is a few places I go to visit and of course Harlem is one of them. But I know why I am in New York. It is my priority to be a better coach.
"I didn't really know what to expect when I arrived but I am happily surprised because there are a lot of good players, it is really competitive and the atmosphere in the stadiums is really good. I have really enjoyed my experiences, so far."
