Santiago Rodríguez: "Ronny Gives Me Confidence."
December 9, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York City FC News Release
New York City FC forward Santiago Rodríguez has praised Head Coach Ronny Deila's influence on his game as he prepares for the Club's first ever MLS Cup Final appearance.
Rodríguez joined NYCFC on loan in June and has enjoyed a strong first campaign with the Boys in Blue - registering three goals in 21 MLS Regular Season games, as well as one goal in the playoffs.
The 21-year-old arrived at the Club as an attacking midfielder, and after seeing some time in that role was moved to a wide left position by Deila where he has played most of his minutes this season.
Speaking to the media ahead of NYCFC's meeting with Portland Timbers on Saturday, Rodríguez praised his manager and the role he has played in his season.
"It is a different opposition that I played in Uruguay and Ronny saw that," Rodríguez said. "But he's instilled confidence in me, he talks to me every day in training, and I'm just trying to help the team the best way I can."
Looking ahead to the matchup at Providence Park, the former Nacional man said the team were focused on the task at hand.
"We're here to win the final whichever way it is and we're looking forward to the match," he said. "We have to be focused on what we need to do. We're focusing on attacking their weaknesses, but we also have to be focused on playing our style of game."
Major League Soccer Stories from December 9, 2021
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- Santiago Rodríguez: "Ronny Gives Me Confidence." - New York City FC
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