New York City FC is set to welcome the New England Revolution to Yankee Stadium on Saturday in a special anniversary clash—exactly ten years after their first-ever home game in Major League Soccer, which ended in a 2-0 victory over the Revs.

As City looks to build momentum, New England finds itself searching for stability after a tough start to the season. Caleb Porter’s side has managed just one draw and two defeats in their opening three matches. With both teams eager for points, Saturday’s contest promises to be a hard-fought battle.

Jansen Emphasizes Focus and Improvement

City head coach Jansen stressed the importance of maintaining focus following his team’s first MLS win under his leadership. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he acknowledged that past results mean nothing when stepping onto the pitch again.

“This is the first time I'm going to see my squad after a league win,” Jansen said. “Obviously, I've seen them perform after a preseason victory, but we all know the league brings something extra. Going into this game, there are no guarantees based on what happened last time.

“We have to do even better than we did in the previous game to be successful again. That’s what drives us.”

City heads into the match on the back of a crucial 2-1 win against Orlando City SC, with goals from Alonso Martínez and Hannes Wolf securing three points. However, despite the positive momentum, Jansen insisted that the team’s preparation remains the same.

“Our preparation doesn’t change at all,” he stated. “We have our routines. We always prepare to the maximum for every game, so that stays the same.

“The only difference is that New England has had a difficult start to the season. They’ll be desperate to turn things around, and that makes them dangerous. We have to be ready for that challenge.”

Competition for Places Intensifies

With increased competition for spots, particularly in midfield, Jansen admitted that making selection decisions is one of the toughest parts of his job.

“You can’t make everyone happy,” he said with a smile. “I watch my players closely throughout the week, and we make our plans as a staff while including the players as much as possible.

“Of course, previous performances play a role in our decisions, as well as finding the right balance in the squad. But as I’ve said before, my approach will always be ‘team first’—that will never change.”

As City prepares to mark a decade since its first home game, Jansen remains focused on the present, aiming to make every match count. With New England desperate to bounce back, City must be at its best to secure another victory and continue their push forward.

Sezione: Focus / Data: Sat 15 March 2025 alle 10:42
Autore: nycfc soccernews
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