NYCFC vs. TORONTO: Ring Preview

On takeaways from the last match against Toronto…

“I mean, that was our third game within a week and I think you could see that we were a bit tired during that game. We were a bit sloppy defending also and we weren’t as proactive as we’re used to so we didn’t have a good balance. I think that’s why they played a decent game because we let them.”

On single elimination format…

“I like it. I think home right is really important, especially in this format. It has been very entertaining to watch as a spectator. I don’t know how it was on the pitch, probably a bit nerve-wrecking, but no I think you can see there’s a lot at stake. They’ve been good games, good tempo, really intense, and that’s how playoff games should be.”

On Toronto’s minutes in Round 1… 

“It’s the playoffs. It’s not going to matter if they played 120, 180, or 190. They’re going to be ready and we should too.”

On takeaways from last year’s early playoff exit…

“Playoffs are different. You can’t afford, little things are going to decide these games as you’ve seen in the games before. We just have to be switched on. We can’t afford to make sloppy, easy mistakes. The team who has the courage to play but makes less mistakes is going to win. That’s what it’s all about.”