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ESPN staff 9y

Jason Kreis unapologetic for remarks on New York City FC's desire

New York City FC coach Jason Kreis didn't back down from comments that players on his team need to show they want to be with the club and care more about results.

The Columbus Crew dealt NYCFC a harsh blow to the team's playoff hopes, beating them 2-1 at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Following the game, Kreis said, "players need to show if they want to be here and be a part of this,"

Kreis doubled down on those statements today after NYCFC's training session ahead of a Sept. 12 road game against FC Dallas.

"I'm a natural competitor and an emotional guy," Kreis told MLSSoccer.com. "I'm never going to apologize for that.

"Occasionally, I'm going to speak loudly about some things that I care about. I spoke loudly about the thoughts I cared about, and I didn't apologize for those because that's how I truly felt."

The coach said the Crew loss was the second game in a row in which he saw his team quit after falling behind.

"I feel that in two matches in a row there's been an element of quit in our group, which I haven't seen the entire season," Kreis said. "It's something that frankly is unacceptable to me, this club and I think the fans. I want to make sure this group has no quit no matter what happens over the next several matches as well."

NYCFC are now in eighth place in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, just one point behind Orlando City SC for the final playoff spot. However, with the team's current form Kreis would need a remarkable run of results for the first-year club to qualify.

Kreis has what looks like an embarrassment of riches on his squad sheet, with the likes of David Villa, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and Mix Diskerud. Getting those individual parts to gel on the field has been a different story.

"We have some very experienced players on this team, both on the world level and MLS level," Kreis said. "I believe that all of that experience has to count for something. People need to step forward and take charge a little bit more."

Lampard defended his teammates and said he didn't see the problem the same way as his manager did following the loss to Columbus.

"Managers and players should be emotional after defeats at times, but there's an all-round spirit in the camp and I don't see a problem at all," Lampard said. "We're not getting the results and the consistency, but for me it's not for the want of trying."

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