Jason Kreis was formally introduced as Head Coach of New York City FC today by the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano, Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, and Manchester City Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain.
“This is an opportunity to lead and be part of something truly great. This opportunity is in front of us now and we fully intend to reach out and take it,” Kreis said, “This is a challenge I look forward to. We know we are expected to win and we will win. It’s not something I will shy away from.”
The panel participants discussed the overall team strategy they will be looking to develop leading up to the Club’s inaugural season in 2015, how New York City FC and Manchester City FC will work closely together, and the immediate next steps of Kreis heading to Manchester to work with Manchester City’s coaching staff for the remainder of the Club’s season.
“My efforts will focus on making sure Jason has a competitive team. We are going to work together closely,” said Mr. Reyna. “What was important for me and the Club, and was pretty obvious to see this year, was how players execute his strategy.. . It was clear he was the right person to fit with the philosophy we have here.”
Speaking of Kreis’ hire and the growth of MLS, Soriano said, “New York City FC is very important to us. It is a great opportunity. We believe in soccer in the U.S., we believe in New York City, and we also believe in MLS. This is a key project and a great opportunity to bring quality soccer to New York City and this league. Just how we’ve built up the Club in Manchester, we’ll take the same approach here in New York City. The hiring of Jason was a significant step in that process.”
Txiki Begiristain, Director of Football, Manchester City added “We want to position this club to win, and to win in a special way.”
Kreis also announced the Club’s hiring of Assistant Coach Miles Joseph and Head of Player Recruitment David Lee.
Mr. Joseph joins New York City FC after spending the past four years as an Assistant Coach to Mr. Kreis at Real Salt Lake. Prior to that, Mr. Joseph played soccer professionally with Major League Soccer for six seasons, being selected as the 12th overall pick in the 1996 MLS College Draft by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, and also represented the Columbus Crew and Dallas Burn. Mr. Joseph also made three appearances for the US Men’s National Team.
A Performance Analyst with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls since 2011, Mr. Lee will now lead New York City FC’s recruiting efforts for players. Prior to his time with the Red Bulls, Lee was the Head of Performance Analysis of professional English club Exeter City FC.
