As New York City FC prepares for the 2026 campaign, Head Coach Pascal Jansen has made it clear that internal standards are rising. After finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference last season and advancing to the Conference Final, Jansen believes the foundation is strong—but not sufficient. For him, success this year is defined by measurable growth. “We have to do better than we did last year,” he emphasized, noting that while the playoff run showed resilience, the objective now is to push beyond it. The hunger inside the locker room mirrors his own ambition, with the group openly discussing the need to aim higher and translate lessons learned into tangible progress.
A major boost to those aspirations is the return to health of midfielder Keaton Parks. Jansen described Parks’ preseason availability as “a massive piece” for the squad. After working closely with the medical staff, Parks has been present for nearly every training session—an achievement that benefits both player and club. Beyond his technical quality, Jansen highlighted Parks’ leadership and personality as critical elements within the team dynamic. A fully fit Parks adds balance, composure, and experience to a midfield that will be central to NYCFC’s ambitions.
Veteran midfielder Maxi Moralez echoed the optimism. Entering his second season under Jansen, Moralez praised the coach’s impact and growth in MLS, calling him “one of the best coaches in the League.” Having come close to lifting MLS Cup last year, Moralez stressed the importance of building on that momentum, starting with a strong opening result on Sunday.
Moralez also pointed to the growing chemistry with Nico Fernández Mercau as a key factor. After joining midseason in 2025, Fernández Mercau now benefits from a full preseason alongside his teammates. The added time together, Moralez noted, has strengthened their on-field understanding—an encouraging sign for a team determined to turn promise into silverware.
