New York City FC: 3 things we learned from preseason

1. It is about quality, not results

Losing three of four preseason games could send supporters into a frenzy. But for New York City FC fans, they should not fear. Ronny Deila gave opportunities to young, academy players and non-starters. He has focused on the process of the team, not just the end results of the matches.

For the most part, from the games available to the public, the quality and ability in the squad looked solid.  In the Palmeiras game, the first half had the majority of starter players and the team looked like themselves from the 2019 season. Even in the second half, despite conceding twice, the youth, trialists, and academy players looked strong and precise.

Preseason matches are not always about winning. They are there to improve, to teach, to prepare for the new season. And this is especially true with a new head coach. Deila has his own methods that the team must adapt to. That can take some time, and as seen in 2019, a slow start doesn’t mean a bad season.

Finally, the fans that are worrying should look at the past. In 2015, the Pigeons won three of six preseason games and then finished eighth in the Eastern Conference. But since 2016, the team finished third or higher. Yes, the team won five of six preseason games in 2016, but from 2017 on, the team lost most of those games. From 2017 to 2020, NYCFC lost 12 of 21 preseason games, about 57%. If supporters used this period to judge NYCFC’s regular seasons, they would be way off base.

Instead, they should pay attention to how the games were played, especially by the typical starters. Again, preseason is about quality, not results. New York City FC fans must not be quick to judge and rather should wait and see what Ronny Deila will bring to the team and how the players will perform in 2020.