MLS
What next for New York Red Bulls?
They made it to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, but head coach Troy Lesesne was let go after falling at the first hurdle.
After a disappointing 2023 campaign, New York Red Bulls are aiming “to reach the next level” with a busy off-season ahead.
They reached the MLS Cup Playoffs for a 14th consecutive year but, after struggling for consistency during the regular season, were swept by FC Cincinnati in Round One. Troy Lesesne, who was only appointed head coach in May, was let go and the Red Bulls are now embarking on a period of renewal.
On Wednesday head of sport Jochen Schneider told reporters that the team needs change “to reach the next level” going forward.
“We have made it now 14 times in a row to the playoffs. But, please let me say this clearly: This is not good enough. We need to [take] the next step,” he said.
“With that said, we are resetting on the sporting side and we felt it was the right decision to do so.”
New York Red Bulls looking for another new coach
Lesesne was brought in mid-season to steady the ship after a poor start under predecessor, Gerhard Struber. However Lesesne was only given a contract until the end of the 2023 and the club have opted not to extend it after the team failed to progress as hoped.
Schneider explained: “We are now starting the process to hire a new head coach and a sporting director and hopefully we will bring both jobs over the line [by] Christmas.”
“Looking then to the 2024 season, we all agree that we have to improve our product on the pitch. We need to get better.”
The Red Bulls qualified for the 2023 playoffs as one of two Wild Card teams. Throughout the season they struggled for goals and scored just 36 times across 34 regular season matches. In all of MLS only New York City FC, Toronto and Colorado Rapids scored fewer.
Red Bulls need to bring supporters back on side
The Red Bull Arena has had little to cheer about in 2023 and supporters began showing their displeasure before the end of the season. There were a number of banners and flags criticising the club and the team’s on-field performances.
Schneider recalls: “I remember our great fans in the South Ward one day holding up a banner saying ‘Just not good enough.’ Sometimes fans have the best feeling for the situation.”
The Red Bulls have shown incredible consistency over the past 14 years, making the playoffs in every single season. But they are still yet to lift the MLS Cup and have not made it past Round One of the playoffs since 2018.
Earlier this month Schneider, along with owner Marc de Grandpre, issued a thank you message to supporters, praising their commitment after a difficult season. Their statement promised that “the performance of our entire organization will be elevated in 2024″.
The reboot looks set to begin with the statement signing of Emil Forsberg from RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga. The Swedish forward has extensive experience in Germany and would add real guile to their midfield.