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New York City FC: A look back at the 2021 predictions

By Caitlyn Chale

CHESTER, PA - DECEMBER 05: Maximiliano Moralez #10 of New York City FC and teammates celebrate winning the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final match against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on December 05, 2021 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - DECEMBER 05: Maximiliano Moralez #10 of New York City FC and teammates celebrate winning the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final match against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on December 05, 2021 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) /
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New York City FC; Ronny Deila
Dec 9, 2021; Portland, OR, USA; New York City FC coach Ronny Deila during a press conference at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction 1: Ronny Deila is gone after the 2021 season

The final prediction was about Ronny Deila; it was predicted he would not do well enough, and would be gone after the 2021 season ended.  As the bold predictions go, this was the one that was entirely wrong, and personally, I am glad this is the case.

It is noted though that fans and those like myself wanted Deila gone back in September.  Before New York City FC’s unbeaten run to win the MLS Cup, the team went on that terrible streak where they won just once in nine matches.  There were many “Deila Out” signs and tweets, and everyone thought the season was over.

Fortunately, the players and Deila proved everyone wrong, and finally brought home two trophies in NYCFC’s seventh season in MLS.  He found the desired success that all the previous coaches aimed for, and brought out the best in players like Valentín Castellanos and James Sands.  Previously, it was thought he was the wrong man for the club.  However, he has proven many wrong, and has shown what he can do.

In spite of everything, the issues of inconsistency remain, which was seen throughout the season.  NYCFC had streaks of poor play, and streaks of luck, and streaks of greatness.  Moreover, there are expectations of winning more than 14 games, and this is something the head coach must work on in 2022.  Also, fans have the right to still complain about his substitution choices and timing, which is one of the largest complaints from fans.  Hopefully, this will change for the better in the upcoming season.

Furthermore, it was argued that Deila reversed the progressed that Domènec Torrent made with the team.  Now, it is lucid and obvious that it just took time for players to adjust to the Norwegian’s playing style, and that patience was needed from someone like myself and other fans.

In the end, there is nothing better than being proven wrong, and personally I am glad Deila did just that.  In no way is he perfect, but he led the team to the first MLS Cup in the club’s history.  It does not matter whether he stays another year, or another five to ten years; Ronny Deila will forever be a part of the history of New York City FC.

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