Red Bulls’ Coach Reflects on Team’s Current Struggles

New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwartz finds himself in a challenging position as the team prepares for an upcoming match against Chivas Guadalajara in the League Cup. As his second season progresses, he remains focused, although the pressure is mounting as the Red Bulls sit on the brink of missing the playoffs after 25 league games.

Over the next five games, the squad will juggle responsibilities in the League Cup, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and the regular MLS season, including a particularly grueling stretch of three matches in just one week. The League Cup, which pits MLS teams against those from Mexico’s Liga MX, has been around since 2019, while the Open Cup provides a route to the Concacaf Champions Cup for successful teams.

The Red Bulls have historically been playoff contenders, not missing the postseason for the last 15 years. However, when discussing the organization’s priorities, Schwartz seemed somewhat reticent. “I think it’s complicated—maybe more emphasis on MLS or the Open Cup, or the League Cup,” he mused. “For us, it’s crucial to bring energy to the field daily, and we need to focus on that. It’s about finding opportunities in each game and having confidence.”

Things have not gone well for the Red Bulls since late May. After an impressive run to the MLS Cup final last winter, they find themselves in a tailspin, recently dropping to tenth place following a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire.

In addition to the issues on the field, the team is currently without star player Lewis Morgan, who is sidelined with a quad injury until late August. This has compounded their struggles, as they have averaged just 1.56 goals per match while conceding 17 goals in their last eight games, raising concerns about their depth amidst ongoing injuries.

When asked about the injuries and their impact on performance, Schwartz labeled the inquiry “unfair,” perhaps indicating the challenge of assessing and analyzing the squad under such duress.

Fan expectations have also changed dramatically; having seen the team near the top last season, supporters have expressed frustration online. They’ve witnessed a concrete potential playoff berth turn into uncertainty this year.

Schwartz acknowledged the heightened expectations resulting from last year’s success but defended his current players. “It’s normal to have expectations. To be honest, it’s not my first experience with such pressure,” he stated. “But right now, it doesn’t feel fair, and we must strive to improve. The team is working hard, and although we face challenges, it’s important.”

As this tumultuous phase coincides with the opening of the MLS Summer Transfer window, rumors have linked the club to German striker Timo Werner. In a pre-game press conference, Schwartz mentioned discussions with front office staff regarding possible new arrivals but emphasized that any change must come from within the current squad. “It’s our responsibility to adapt and transform this situation with our performance,” he said.