Patrick Vieira admitted that the 5-0 defeat to Toronto FC hurt but promised that the team would be stronger for the experience in 2017.
Sebastian Giovinco netted a hat-trick on a bruising night for NYCFC but their Head Coach is already turning his attentions towards how the team can improve in 2017.
“It really hurts the way we lost because the fans responded to what I wanted from them – they were fantastic,” Vieira reflected.
“When we arrived to the stadium, there were 50-100 people outside, making noise, welcoming the players. The message from David and myself in the locker room was that we didn’t know what was going to happen but we wanted to give the fans something back tonight.
“That’s why I’m so disappointed. We let them down. My message is to think about the first game we played and look at how the team improved and this team will be better next season. I want to thank the fans for their support – they’ve been fantastic.
“They’ve been behind the team. They were fantastic today – I promise we will come back next season with more determination and hunger to do better next season.”
READ: NYCFC v Toronto – Match Recap
Vieira emphasized that it was too early to start thinking about any potential personnel changes in the MLS close season.
Reflecting on his first campaign in charge, the Frenchman discussed his satisfaction with the progress made.
He told journalists: “My first year has been really good. The year, what was important was to get the best of the players: I think the staff and myself, we managed to do it.
“Our objective was to qualify for the playoffs and to demonstrate that we are a team with an identity. It’s not perfect but I strongly believe we built a strong philosophy of how to play the game.
“We create chances, score goals and are an attractive team. Next year we’ll look to be more consistent and improve some aspects but I think we’re in the right way.
“I’m proud of the players – all season they’ve given me everything and the game tonight doesn’t reflect the way they’ve conducted themselves this season. As a football club, we want to improve, to get better so it will be important to make strong decisions because we want to challenge teams like Toronto next season.”
Patrick congratulated Toronto at the start of his post-match press conference, conceding that the Greg Vanney’s men were the better side over the 180 minutes.
He also heaped praised on Sebastian Giovinco who scored a hat-trick.
“I think first I would like to congratulate Toronto – over the legs, they were the better team,” Vieira added.
“We still have to work really hard to build up a strong team – there is a gap between Toronto and ourselves. The best team won and that’s why they deserve to go through to the next round.
“We exposed ourselves and when you do that a quality player like Giovinco punishes you.”
