Why did NYCFC sign Pascal Jansen as the new head coach? | OneFootball

In case you missed yesterday's news, New York City FC named Pascal Jansen as the club's sixth head coach. The English-Dutch manager joins the Pigeons after Nick Cushing was let go after a lackluster tenure with the Boys in Blue. He was recently with Ferencvárosi Torna Club in Hungary. According to reports, City Football Group bought out his contract in order for him to sign with NYCFC.

Jansen's resume looks solid on paper and plays the attacking style that CFG teams prefer to play. His teams usually play in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formats where they play out of the back. Jansen also prefers to use pressure tactics to regain possession.

He was 18-6-6 with Ferencvárosi before departing the club. Then, he had a 96-42-24 record during his time with AZ Alkmaar, leading the Dutch side to the semifinals in the EUFA Conference League in 2023. Ideally, the head coach will have a similar or better record with NYCFC.

Why did NYCFC sign Pascal Jansen?

But what led NYCFC to sign the 51-year-old, besides his resume and attacking tactics that the club is familiar with? Jansen's explanation about who he is as a coach to newyorkcityfc.com gives a clear picture. "I believe in a holistic approach where we want to make sure the players in our environment live up to their full potential and become the best version of themselves," he said. "I have a passion for developing players and helping them become better people and better athletes."

Every head coach wants players to be the best, but some are not willing to champion them to be the "best version of themselves." Sometimes, head coaches will try to turn players into something they are not. Talles Magno is a great example, for Cushing wanted to turn him into a striker when the Brazilian was a winger. Jansen's words can give fans confidence he will not do something similar.

The new NYCFC head coach also mentioned how he has a passion for developing players. While Cushing oversaw a few younger players develop into better athletes, there were too many failures. Julián Fernández, Jovan Mijatović, and Agustín Ojeda are three great examples from this season. None of them blossomed as they were supposed to.

Then, Sporting Director David Lee said, "We have a group of really talented players and wanted to hire an experienced coach that can take us to the next level, and Pascal ticks all the boxes we were looking for to lead New York City FC." This illuminates the club felt Cushing could not do that. They believe Jansen can elevate the current roster's performances on the pitch.

"Pascal is also a great leader, with a calm and collaborative approach and a deep ambition to win," added Lee. "We believe he is the right personality fit for our club as we look to build on the fantastic culture we have already around our team." In other words, the front office was looking for someone with a specific personality. They wanted someone different from Cushing, but also someone who could smoothly come into the team and fit in with the players and staff.

NYCFC, on paper, appeared to have signed an ideal head coach that they wanted and needed. Hopefully, Jansen will meet expectations, and go beyond.