What expectations should one have for NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen in 2025? | OneFootball

When New York City FC's 2024 season came to an end after the defeat in the MLS Cup Playoffs by their rivals the New York Red Bulls, many thought Nick Cushing would keep his job since he led the team back to the postseason and improved their performances on the pitch. The fans did not support this idea, and thankfully the club recognized the issues that plagued the head coach were not going away.

As such, NYCFC sacked Cushing and brought in the new head coach, Pascal Jansen. The British-Dutch manager recently led the Pigeons to their first result: a 2-2 preseason draw. It was a respectable result for the preseason, and hopefully, the head coach has already begun instituting any tactical changes he intends to make.

Expectations for NYCFC's Pascal Jansen are high and reasonable

Since it has been a few weeks since the initial announcement of his hiring, fans have had time to digest and examine his career. This means it is easy to create expectations for the NYCFC head coach based on his past. Hence, what expectations should one have from Jansen in his first season in Major League Soccer?

The answer is a simple one. Supporters should expect the head coach to, at a minimum, finish the regular season in the top four in the Eastern Conference. In addition, they should be competitive in the playoffs. Yes, some might believe he deserves time to adjust to the MLS. However, his success with Alkmaar Zaanstreek and Ferencvárosi TC proves he can compete in different leagues.

Notably, Jansen was with Ferencvárosi for just half a season before NYCFC swept in and convinced him to join the club. In his short time with the Hungarian side, he led the team to an 18-6-6 record in all competitions. He also left the team in second place in the league when he departed for MLS.

Jansen's ability to lead a team in a short period means he can adjust to other leagues quickly. Hence, the expectation he can lead NYCFC to a top-four finish is reasonable. Plus, while he will have tactical differences compared to Cushing, his style of coaching fits the City Football Group method that the Bronx side is used to. Therefore, the new coach should not completely revamp the team.

Truthfully, the expectations for Jansen are high and reasonable. It is not expected he will lead the team to the Supporters' Shield in his first season. Although, that would be amazing if he did. However, the club would need a few big signings to probably compete for the Shield. Still, Jansen needs to be successful with NYCFC in his first year. 2025 must be better than 2024.