Torrent: We need a win or we're in trouble

It’s now four games and counting without a win for NYCFC to start the 2019 MLS season (0W-1L-3D, 3 points). And after their 4-0 Week 5 loss at Toronto FC, NYCFC head coach Domenec Torrent was pointing the finger at himself.

“It was a bad day, a bad night because they deserved to win the game,” Torrent said postgame. “They played much better today. It’s my fault because i didn’t read the game. It’s not about the players … It’s my fault. Sometimes you have to recognize it and I didn’t read the game this night.”

In his comments after the match Torrent wasn’t making excuses, but he did highlight the fact that he was missing 10 players during the training week due to international duty. With some arriving just one day before the match, he says he might handle this situation differently in the future.

“I have to improve in that for the next game when they come back [from] the national team,” Torrent explained. “Maybe we have to play differently because I know what happens after the long trip. I have experience in that. Not here in New York. Even in Europe — Barcelona, ManCity and Bayern Munich. When they come back, it’s not easy for them. It’s not an excuse, but it’s not the fault of my players. It’s my fault.”

Although the match at BMO Field will forever be remembered for the instant impact of new Toronto FC star Alejandro Pozuelo, Torrent pointed out his team’s stronger start to the second half, when they hit the post on a potential equalizer in the 51st minute. But for Torrent, the second Toronto FC goal in the 58th minute killed the match.

“We have to keep the ball, but we have to attack and create chances,” Torrent said when asked about areas of improvement for his club. “When you arrive there [in the penalty area] you have to be more clinical — to shoot, cross. We had one chance in the first half with Anton [Tinnerholm]. And the second half with the post. But we need to create more and more chances. If not, it’s impossible to win.

“We have to improve for the next game and we have to win the game,” Torrent continued. “We need to win the game right now because if not, we are in trouble. From 12 points [four matches], we have three points and if we want to play in the playoffs we need to react quickly.”