Troubled Red Bulls confront critical queries ahead of crucial phase
New York Red Bulls: Schwarz's Tactical Approach Amidst Pressure
New York Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz is steering his team through a critical phase, with the MLS regular season entering its late stretch and the playoff race heating up. The Red Bulls, who reached the MLS Cup Final last winter, are currently on the wrong side of the playoff cutoff after 25 league matches this season.
In the U.S. Open Cup, Schwarz has demonstrated tactical agility, making early substitutions to manage player discipline and bringing in impact players like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg in the second half. The team advanced to the quarterfinals but lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Union. In the Leagues Cup, details of Schwarz’s tactical approach are less explicit, but the tournament's importance is clear, as it involves MLS and Liga MX teams, with a new format requiring strong performance in the group stage to advance.
Schwarz's focus on key competitions is evident, as he has relied on backup goalkeeper AJ Marcucci in the Open Cup, preferring him over usual starter Carlos Coronel in recent matches. The team's offensive struggles have been a concern, averaging 1.56 goals per match, and their defense has conceded 17 goals over their past eight matches. The Red Bulls have recorded just one win over the past two months and fallen back to 10th place, one spot out of the playoff picture.
Despite the team's current standing, Schwarz remains optimistic, expressing that his priority is to bring the team's best performance every day and see a chance in every game. He understands the higher expectations due to last season's success but defends the current group, stating that expectations should be realistic.
The MLS summer transfer window has recently opened, and Schwarz and the front office have had conversations about bringing in players, but the change is expected to come from within the team. The Red Bulls are linked with German striker Timo Werner for a possible transfer during the MLS summer window.
The team's upcoming schedule includes a compact part of their schedule and the stretch run of the MLS calendar, with over five matches in various competitions. Schwarz will need to manage his squad carefully to balance the Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and MLS regular season, prioritizing key player selection and tactical flexibility to secure a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, injuries have taken a toll on the Red Bulls' roster. Cameron Harper, another player for the Red Bulls, is out indefinitely due to a knee injury, and Lewis Morgan, a star player, is out with a quad injury and is not expected to return until late August.
The results for the Red Bulls have left fans frustrated, with average attendance dipping from last season and supporters taking to social media. However, Schwarz has expressed that it is unfair to analyze the roster or the ongoing season, given the team's injury issues.
As the Red Bulls navigate this challenging period, Schwarz's focus remains on the present, never looking too far ahead. The team will need to find their form and consistency to secure a playoff spot and mount a late-season push for the title.
Media attention on the New York Red Bulls intensifies as they strive for a playoff spot in the sports world, with critical matches in various competitions upcoming. Football tactics, such as Schwarz's strategic substitutions and careful player management, will be crucial in the team's bid for success amidst mounting pressure.
