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MLS New York City FC

Cushing Reaction: “We Have to Stay Together in These Moments.”

September 1, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release


New York City Interim Head Coach Nick Cushing has called upon his squad to pull together in the face of adversity.

The Boys in Blue suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of D.C. United on Wednesday night, courtesy of goals from Ola Kamara and Steven Birnbaum.

While Cushing admitted his frustration, he insisted his side are giving their all to improve their fortunes in difficult circumstances with the team suffering a challenging run both on the pitch and with injuries.

"We know at the moment we're not giving the fans what they deserve," he stated. "But at the same time, that isn't for the will of trying, the fight, the desire to give them what they want.

"It's a huge disappointment that we didn't win again, a huge disappointment that it's another defeat - and another home defeat - but I'm also really aware of where the team is.

"It's a bit disrespectful to say that just because D.C. had lost a lot of games, that we should roll them over. You saw the grit and fight they have.

"It's difficult at the end of the game, sitting against nine players on top of the goal. We got into areas to put the ball in the box. We couldn't get a clean cross but it's not for the want of trying - we're pushing hard.

"We tried to freshen it up and I thought the spirit of the group, you could see it at the end - they were really pushing the game, really driving and it just didn't happen for us.

"We have to stay together in these moments and we have to continue to try and find ways to build that cohesion, even though we have a roster that's been disrupted week in, week out.

"As a Head Coach, I've seen in many moments the desire for us to turn things around. There are many factors at the moment... We're rolling with a really small roster. You can see the tiredness in the legs for the turnaround. We've got one eye on the New England game and we have to make sure we go there without the accumulative effect of two games.

"We have no consistency in our team selection because of injuries and because of those moments that we're in. We don't have many moments to train with a new back four and we're interchanging players all the time and that's bringing us challenges.

"Through our roster, my job as coach is to make sure this team is prepared to go out and win a game. From the moment I walk out of this room, I will reflect and evaluate on my preparation and where I can be better in improving this team going into New England.

"I think for us, it's about always looking at ourselves. I'm always looking at myself as a coach and looking at those ways that I can help, that I can improve in this moment.

"It's my job to look at myself and see where I can contribute on where I can fix this problem. It's also my job to pick the guys up but like I say, I come out of the locker room where I see a group of guys - a team who is together on and off the pitch.

"I see a team of guys that is really disappointed but really, really hungry to try and get us back to where we should be.

"Of course, we have to continue to work and we have to ask the fans to stay behind us and continue to push us. It's about consistently continuing to work hard evaluate, reflect and we'll do that.

"I'm aware of where this team is at, where the roster is at and how we can find a solution to make sure we'll get back to where we should be."

There was further cause for frustration in the game with defender Anton Tinnerholm forced off with a hamstring injury, though Cushing admitted the severity of the knock is yet to be determined.

"It looks like a hamstring. I don't know how serious it is - it is very early," he explained.

"He's with the medical team. I think it's the accumulative effect of a guy that hasn't played much football having to play a lot of football.

"That's where you see the squad at the moment. There's a lot of talent but we also have a lot of guys who are rolling every game 95 minutes.

"We have a roster that's more than capable of winning games and it's our job to get back on the training facility and make sure we find a solution.

"We believe in the roster we have. We win games with this roster. We're just trying to continue to push in this difficult moment."

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