Pascal Jansen has shifted his full attention to New York City FC as he prepares to lead the team in their crucial home match against Toronto FC on Thursday night. After missing Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Montreal due to a personal issue, Jansen emphasized the importance of moving past the setback and refocusing on the consistency that had characterized earlier matches.
“I have complete faith in my staff,” Jansen stated. “We collaborate closely to prepare for our games, and I was confident they would manage in my absence. During the match against Montreal, we initially looked promising, but a few lapses made us vulnerable, which was disappointing to witness from afar.”
This week’s match against Toronto marks New York City’s last home game until the end of August, preceding a challenging four-game road stretch in July. Jansen underscored the significance of this occasion but highlighted the need to tackle the internal inconsistencies that have affected the team’s performance throughout the season.
“Absolutely, this is a huge game for us,” he acknowledged. “Yet we must address our inconsistency and learn from the Montreal match. Progress is essential, but that match reminded us that we still have work to do. We need to maintain the discipline we displayed in previous matches and move forward positively.”
The team’s preparations have been bolstered by the return of Alonso Martínez, who is back from international duty with Costa Rica at the Gold Cup. Jansen praised Martínez for both his on-field abilities and his leadership qualities within the team.
“Alonso is a vital player for us, both in terms of skill and in fostering a strong team atmosphere,” Jansen remarked. “We’re thrilled to have him back after representing his country at a prestigious tournament.”
On the other side, Toronto FC is navigating changes with the recent departures of prominent players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. Although Jansen recognizes their skill, he confirmed that these roster changes would not impact New York City’s game preparation.
“I respect their choices to leave, but our focus remains on our readiness,” he commented. “We always analyze past performances to prepare for upcoming matches, and our strategy will not waver.”
Returning to the sidelines has brought Jansen joy, particularly from the team’s response in his absence. “It feels fantastic to be back,” he said. “The camaraderie we’ve built in the dressing room is something I take great pride in. We have each other’s backs, and that has been incredibly important for this project.”
With a renewed spirit and core players like Martínez back in the lineup, New York City FC is poised to tackle the upcoming challenges. Fans can remain hopeful as the team strives for consistency and resilience on the pitch.