As Gerhard Struber discusses becoming head coach of the New York Red Bulls, it’s clear that he’s well-versed in the club’s DNA.
Speaking with the New York Red Bulls Radio Network, the Austrian manager detailed his preferred playing style as the former Red Bull Salzburg youth coach comes over from English Championship side Barnsley.
“I had a big education the last few years, especially with the Red Bull style of play,” Struber detailed. “I think the proactive playing style everyone knows that, especially pressing is a big part in this game that you have in the end success and it’s the big key to win games. Also that we have in all four phases in the game we have good answers. I think on the ball we have also a good plan and we need a good positioning.
“We need in the end players, they understand football in all four phases, and especially the most important thing is that we have players in our group, they are ready for pressing, they are ready for sprints, they are ready to work together. This is, for me, the most important thing that we have success, that we work together very close and teamwork is not only a headline. I will see that every training and you have to work very close together with the right spirit, with the right energy and then we need always a smart tactical plan and I think the Red Bull plan, it’s very helpful for that.”
Struber isn’t yet leading RBNY – that role still belongs to interim head coach Bradley Carnell as the team fight for Eastern Conference seeding in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. When Struber was appointed in early October, head of sport Kevin Thelwell anticipated it’d be “6-8 weeks” before Struber arrived stateside for his new role.
Despite the delay around COVID-19, Struber offered his thoughts on how RBNY have fared during the 2020 season. He sees a team with great potential that needs some fine-tuning to reach another level.
“We have to work when I come to New York, especially in our structure, especially I think more in details and I can feel, I can see a team with very good shape, with very good motivation, with a good mood on the field,” he said. “I think this is the most important thing and for the tactical side, this is my responsibility that players know what I want in a game. But I think I have a good feeling. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience from the tactical side to the players, then I hope for better results, for constantly better results.”
Struber also spoke to the RBNY youth system, which has helped develop US men's national team players like Tyler Adams and Matt Miazga, while Caden Clark looks like their next bright young star. He clearly aligns with that vision, but wants a blend with veterans as well.
“I think in my style, to play football is always normal that you have in the end also a development for players and young players, they learn very quick,” Struber said. “They are ready to learn and to learn things, what is necessary in this philosophy, in this style of play. We need from the one side the young players with the big heart to learn and also with smart decisions. But I need also experience in the team and I think when we have a good mix of that, we are ready for good results, we are ready for good performances and ready for attractive football.”
For more from Struber, check out his entire interview here.
