Jesus Medina: “Dome comes with a set mindset of how he wants to play. We are trying to learn his style of play and only time will tell.” (Chris Bergmann-USA TODAY Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
It’s two games into Domenec Torrent regime as New York City FC head coach and the team still is becoming accustomed to Patrick Vieira’s successor.
NYCFC is 1-1-0 with Torrent at the helm of the MLS team.
“It’ll take time to get his philosophy to the team,” defensive midfielder Alex Ring said at a World Cup party at Rockefeller Plaza sponsored by City and Telemundo Deportes Tuesday. “It’s normal when a new comes in midseason, it’s not always easy. I think in the second half [vs. Chicago] we had the ball all the time, but we weren’t decisive enough.”
In Torrent’s debut, NYCFC recorded a 2-1 home win over defending MLS champion Toronto FC but dropped a 3-2 decision at the Chicago Fire Saturday.
Except for not starting the injured David Villa, Torrent used virtually many of the same players Vieira did during the Frenchman’s tenure, including similar formations.
That was fine for center back Alexander Callens.
“It’s normal that each coach brings their own things, but the scheme and style of play has stayed the same,” he said. “Of course, there will be things that change but the it’s the team that goes out on the pitch and wins games.”
No two coaches are the same, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Torrent changes some things as he settles in as the boss.
“It’s too early to tell if there is a real difference since it’s only Dome’s third game,” forward Jesus Medina said. “With Patrick a lot of the guys were with him for 2 1/2 years. I think we are all adapting. Dome comes with a set mindset of how he wants to play. We are trying to learn his style of play and only time will tell.”
Medina still hasn’t seen many differences in the coaches.
“They have the same style of play,” he said. “They both like to have possession of the ball and always attack. They both have a lot of the same characteristics, so there isn’t a drastic change between them. But as games go we will start implementing Dome’s style more.”
The next challenge for Torrent and NYCFC will be the Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby at Yankee Stadium Sunday at 7 p.m.
