Ahead of Sunday's match vs New York City FC, SportingKC.com caught up with Soccer By Ives' Franco Panizo to preview the #SKCvNYC. Live coverage of Sunday's match starts at 7 p.m. CT on FS1, Fox Deportes, Sports Radio 810 WHB, and La Grande 1340 AM.
What changes in the style of play and philosophy has new Head Coach Patrick Vieira brought to NYCFC?
The biggest change we have seen from Vieira is his dedication to sticking with a style. Whereas previous coach Jason Kreis often tinkered with lineups and formations to try and find a setup that worked, Vieira has more or less stayed true to playing by building out of the back regardless of the opposition. Vieira started the year doing some tinkering himself, but eventually put an end to that and stuck with a strategy that has yielded results.
What do you attribute to NYCFC’s success on the road?
New York City FC has talent. There's no question about it. On the road, the club has found success because it can play. Players have the room to build out of the back and are able to combine better than at cramped Yankee Stadium, where space and time on the ball are limited.
Rookie Jack Harrison has been noted as a key part of NYCFC’s recent good form. What does he provide for the club and what could be his impact on Sunday’s match?
Harrison has been a great addition to the lineup for NYCFC. He provides what the club has been looking for for so long: a secondary threat in the attack that can alleviate pressure from David Villa. Harrison is confident on the ball, willing to go at defenders, and has technical qualities that can match his physical ones. He opens things up for New York City, and allows Villa to be even more dangerous since defenses can't just hone on the Spaniard.
NYCFC earned a midweek victory at New England. Do you expect to see many changes (in the lineup) for Sunday’s match?
If it isn't broken, don't fix it. New York City has made few changes to its lineup in recent weeks, choosing to stick with what works. The one change that could be in the cards is the insertion of former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Mikey Lopez for Andoni Iraola or Andrea Pirlo to get some fresh legs on the field after a busy few days, but other than that it should more or less be the same.
What are a few things you’ll be looking forward to seeing from Sunday’s match?
The match-up of the midfields is very interesting, especially when considering the form that Frank Lampard and Benny Feilhaber are on right now. It will also be worth watching how Patrick Vieira and Peter Vermes manage the match, beginning with their initial approaches and in-game management.
