HARRISON, N.J. – In stark contrast to last season, squad rotation has been a major talking point for head coach Jesse Marsch.
Whereas the starting XI was nearly identical week in and week out in 2015, Marsch has vowed to feature some new players throughout the season as the Red Bulls get set to compete in MLS, U.S. Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions League play.
“It's been a clear talking point within our team,” Marsch said during his Media Day press conference. “I know the players believe that this is a necessary process for us to have success this year in all three competitions. We don't want to be, come October, feel like guys' legs are heavy and it's been a long season and we want them to be fresh and ready to go and sharp and healthy at the most important time of the year.
“In order to do that, I think now the understanding that rotation is necessary, it'll be important and competition within the roster is always a good thing, but in the end, it's going to require me to handle it the right way.”
Granted, New York enjoyed a fair bit of success en route to their Supporters’ Shield triumph last season, so there was not much reason to tinker with a squad that was firing on all cylinders. But in 2016, a new crop of players will be chomping at the bit to secure playing time throughout the season.
Not only will the shuffle allow players some extra rest, but it could have a tactical advantage, as well.
“He spoke to all of us at one point or another to make sure we all know that we’re valued,” Mike Grella said. “Moving forward, it’ll be beneficial to give opponents different looks, and for sure the quality is there. Everyone needs to be ready for when their number is called, whether that’s to support the guys playing that night or to be ready to play and be at 100-percent.
“It’s definitely a new concept from last season, but this management has been excellent at making big moves and making big decisions, and I’m sure they’ll do the right thing moving forward.”
With Homegrowns, rookies, and veterans alike, all pushing the starters each day, there will undoubtedly be daily competition amongst the squad. But if you ask defender Sal Zizzo, that can only be seen as a positive move for the future of the club.
“On a personal level, I’ve always kind of been in that position where there was competition. I’ve been back and forth as a substitute and starter my whole career, so it’s not really something that I’m not used to. For some guys, they may not be used to that, but we just have so much depth in literally every spot on the field.
“We have a lot of good wingers, a lot of guys that can play up top, and we have a lot of flexibility with this new formation being played. But it starts with everyone’s attitude and know that this is going to help us in the long run. You can count on the fact that we’re all going to be rooting for the guy that’s playing.”
