NYCFC need "calm heads, but aggressive legs" in unique rivalry match vs. Red Bulls

As a player and a manager, Ronny Deila is no stranger to the intensity of a derby. As Celtic head coach, he was on the sideline for one of the world’s greatest rivalry matches against Rangers.

Whether it's the Old Firm Derby in Glasgow or the Hudson River Derby in New York, fans play a vital role in helping sway momentum.

This next chapter of the Hudson River Derby on Thursday will be like none that preceded it because Red Bull Arena will be without fans from both teams as the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC restart their 2020 season.

And though there will be no tifo, smoke bombs or chants reverberating through the arena, Deila said a derby is still a derby.

“The players know it. You can feel it also during the week that this is something special,” the NYCFC coach said in a conference call Tuesdag. “It’s very important we have calm heads, but aggressive legs, that we are disciplined and use our head. But at the same time we have to be really physical and aggressive when we show up to the game. Finding that balance between calmness and aggression is going to be important.”