Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“It was a very competitive game and I thought are boys, today, implemented another gear on the challenges that we had not just defensively but offensively. I thought the amount of opportunities that we created to score kept us optimistic the whole game knowing that we matched a team that was aggressive, and they have very good players up front. We played well. Still, we know about our efforts defensively and this is not just the defenders, but it is the whole group that are conceding goals that we have to separate from our performance. Offensively I saw a much braver and much more fortunate team. I like the way we are attacking and the way we are proposing the game. At the end, we take the point and we take it proudly because we made a great effort today.”
On finding the team’s form offensively
“We are very optimistic early on in the season. To have the players that you mentioned at a very good level. The guys that put the team on their shoulders seem like they are doing the job. Now we need to maintain it and even get better. The players that are new are gluing much better with the team. Today we had an excellent performance from Joran [Gerbe] and I want to highlight that. His personality and the character and the responsibility that he had with the system and his teammates was great. I thought it was fantastic news as well was Joran Gerbe today for us. As you asked, we are happy offensively and surely trying to get better defensively. We know and the players know, and it is important.”
On Duncan McGuire getting back into the lineup
“I was so happy seeing him [get onto the field]. He has been training normal, but I know the game and the competitions are different. I was urgent to see him giving us those glimpses of the Duncan [McGuire] that we all know. When I saw him today competing and jumping with no fear and winning those deals and getting in behind it made us so happy. I am very convinced that Duncan will be back in his best level soon. Everything he brings is good news to our defensive side.”
Orlando City SC Midfielder Joran Gerbet
Opening Statement
“We are disappointed of course because we wanted more, and I think we had the chances to get more but we know how tough it is to come to New York and get a point. I wouldn't say we are happy, but we have to go with that because that is what we got. Disappointed with the result because as a team we want to win every single game.”
On earning his first MLS start
“Really happy. Really happy with the coaching staff and all the team because they trust me. I feel like I got the done pretty done today, but very happy with it. I am looking forward to getting more.”
On the approach during the week in the buildup to the match
“Fabián [Bazán] gave me some extra work after every training like little sprints and runs because it is tough when you don’t play much for weeks and weeks and then start right after to play 90 minutes. Mentally, I feel like I am a pretty calm guy even on the field, so I just stayed calm and stayed myself. I don’t really stress for those type of things because I am always calm and that is how I want to be. If I am getting nervous mentally, I have some tips to get rid of it.”
