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New York City FC: 3 bold predictions for 2021

By Caitlyn Chale

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: Jesus Medina #19 of New York City FC celebrates his goal to give New York City FC the lead during the second half of the Major League Soccer against Montreal Impact at Yankee Stadium on October 24, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: Jesus Medina #19 of New York City FC celebrates his goal to give New York City FC the lead during the second half of the Major League Soccer against Montreal Impact at Yankee Stadium on October 24, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) /
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New York City Fc, Ronny Deila
HARRISON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 23: Ronny Deila head coach of New York City FC on the sidelines during the first half of the Major League Soccer match between Toronto FC and New York City FC at Red Bull Arena on September 23, 2020 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images) /

1. Ronny Deila is gone after the 2021 season

In the short history of New York City FC, the club is already on its fourth head coach.  Ronny Deila joined the Pigeons last season after Domènec Torrent and the club agreed to part ways.  Thus far, there are many players who have not improved under the Norwegian’s reign, and the team only finished fifth in the Eastern Conference in 2020.  The season was full of struggles and inconsistency, and some players that did well under Torrent took a step backwards.

Needless to say, 2021 is a new year, and Deila deserves a chance to prove himself to both the fans and MLS.  He deserves the time to solidify his style of play.  Once again, the 2020 season was atypical, so it is difficult to ultimately pass judgment on the head coach.  But, no matter what happens, the final bold prediction is Deila will be gone after the 2021 season.

Some may refer to why Torrent left as to why Deila would leave: issues with signing players, issues with the front office, etc.  The current coach has already expressed his frustration with the fact NYCFC needs more impact signings to have success.  However, he will not be here for 2022 because he is not the right fit for the team.

As mentioned, he does need the opportunity to implement his style of play and attempt to create a winning squad.  That is why he should complete the 2021 season, and be given a chance.  From a personal standpoint, it is impossible to see that Deila will have the success that he should for NYCFC, but it is always a welcoming opportunity to be proven wrong.  On the other hand, it is difficult to believe he is the right man for the job.

Excluding his time at Celtic FC and his first job, a short stint at Idrettslaget Brodd, Deila has led teams to average or below average seasons.  At his last team, Vålerenga Fotball, he only had a win percentage of 37.5%.  With NYCFC, his win percentage is only okay at 53.85%, and most of his wins are against bottom of the table sides.

Furthermore, Deila arguably reversed the progress made by Torrent, for the team went from a first place finish in the East to fifth place.  Yes, the pandemic did not help, but during some games, players seemed frustrated and unhappy.  What Deila did in 2020 obviously was not successful, and there are many doubts on whether he can lead the team to their maximum potential.

In the end, Ronny Deila is a decent coach, and he should still lead NYCFC to a mid-table finish.  On the flip side, no matter where the team finishes, the club and Deila will part ways at the end of the season.  He does not fit at the club, and will not bring out the best with the current roster.  Additionally, he will not be the coach to lead the Pigeons to the top level, and there will be no trophies under his tenure.  Hopefully, he will prove everyone wrong, but ultimately the bold prediction of him leaving at the end of the season stands.

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