New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen has emphasized a ‘bulletproof’ mentality as his team prepares to take on Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference final this Saturday at Chase Stadium. Jansen, who stepped in at the beginning of the 2025 season, has guided NYCFC to the brink of their second MLS Cup title.
With the spotlight on stars like Lionel Messi, who joined Miami and has significantly influenced the league, Jansen remains focused on maintaining his team’s identity and responsibilities. “From day one, I mentioned to my guys in the dressing room and my staff the importance of establishing a bulletproof mindset,” said Jansen. He highlighted that this focus is crucial irrespective of the players on the opposing team.
He acknowledged Messi’s undeniable impact, explaining, “It’s mainly very positive… But when you’re on the pitch against a legend like Messi, it’s essential not to be overwhelmed and to stay competitive to achieve the results we aim for as a team.”
This season, NYCFC has struggled against Miami, drawing their first matchup 2-2 and facing a heavy 4-0 defeat in September. However, Jansen believes his team has progressed since those encounters and is prepared to present a greater challenge in their upcoming match. “The lessons from those two games have been massive for our evolution as a team,” he noted, adding that recent changes in Miami’s lineup could create a more favorable matchup this time around.
NYCFC secured their playoff spot by finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and achieved victories over Charlotte FC and the Philadelphia Union in the playoffs, showcasing their resilience. Inter Miami entered the playoffs as the third seed and has dominated with two consecutive 4-0 victories over Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati. With a powerful lineup featuring Messi and other renowned players like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, they are considered the favorites for the match.
When questioned about being labeled the underdog, Jansen reiterated the significance of his team’s mentality, suggesting that external perceptions hold little weight in their preparation. “It’s all part of the bulletproof mindset approach. I don’t care what anybody says or what position they put us in,” he stated.
The winner of the Eastern Conference final will advance to MLS Cup on December 6, either facing San Diego FC or the Vancouver Whitecaps. As the match approaches, NYCFC and their supporters remain hopeful, energized by the team’s growth and determination to challenge one of the league’s powerhouses.