Hans Backe urges New York Red Bulls to play more solidly in the final games – MLS News
New York Red Bulls are on the verge of securing a berth in the 2011 Major League Soccer playoffs. Head coach Hans Backe sent a clear message to his team to play cynical game if they wanted to play the postseason this year.
“When we talk cynical, it’s more the individual decision-making,” worrisome Backe said.
Further explaining his idea, the manager said: “It’s not as a team, it’s the individual decision making to not overplay, be quite cynical when you need to clear the ball. Don’t give away anything, try to be smart, that kind of cynical.”
The team is in neck-and-neck competition with Portland Timbers for the last place in the playoffs. Although, they are three points ahead of the Timbers, the remaining two games cannot guarantee any results, owing to their fluctuating performances this season.
With Red Bull blowing hot and cold this season, Backe is worried about his side’s chances of making it to the playoffs.
The team has earned a mere 10 points recording 3-1-1 (wins, losses, draws) in their last five games. The Timbers, on the other side of the league, were defeated by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Houston-Dynamo-c39542 on Friday at Jeld-Wen Field, making the competition even more exciting.
The Red Bulls got off to a good start in the 2011 term but put a lacklustre performance in July and August. The team dropped from the top position in the Eastern Conference to fifth place, thus jeopardizing their place in the playoffs.
Defensive frailties have been the team’s Achilles Heels this season. Backe acquired German veteran goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Rost-c14103 to reinforce the defence but the move could not bring about any change until September.
Tim Ream’s poor defence in the home game against Real Salt Lake that resulted in Fabian Espindola’s brace and Rafael Marquez’s foolish stunt a week later that gifted http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toronto-FC-c40744 their lone goal are some examples to quote woeful defensive outings displayed
by the defenders.
In the wake of the aforementioned scenario, the tactician has advised the team to first strengthen their defence and then improve the offence, which has MLS top guns like http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Juan-Agudelo-c19644 and Luke Rodgers.
It is essential for the RBNY to win the remaining two games to take a lead against the Timbers to play the wildcard position in the playoffs.
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