New York City FC coach Pascal Jansen has stated that his team will adopt a “bulletproof” mentality when facing Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference final this Saturday at Chase Stadium. The goal is to minimize the impact that stars like Lionel Messi can have on the match environment. Since taking over before the 2025 season, Jansen has led NYCFC to within a step of their second MLS Cup title.
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Jansen emphasized the importance of focusing on one’s own work and individual responsibilities, always maintaining the team’s identity, regardless of the opponent. He acknowledged Messi’s positive impact on the league, but warned about the possibility that admiration for the Argentine star could distract his players from their responsibilities on the field. The NYCFC has yet to beat Inter Miami this season, with a 2-2 draw in the first match of the 2025 MLS season at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a 4-0 defeat at Citi Field in September.When I arrived at our locker room to lead this project, from day one I told my players and staff that we should establish a bulletproof mentality. No matter where you play, who you play against, or when you play, you must be able to focus on what needs to be done.
Pascal Jansen
The NYCFC qualified for the playoffs after finishing the MLS regular season in fifth position in the East, surpassing Charlotte FC in the first round and Philadelphia Union in the conference semifinals to secure their place in the final. Miami, for its part, has advanced with ease in the playoffs, with consecutive 4-0 victories over Nashville SC and FC Cincinnati, after entering as the third seed in the East. With a squad that includes Messi, as well as Barcelona stars Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, there is no doubt who the favorites are for Saturday’s match. When asked if he minded being labeled the “underdog”, Jansen reiterated the importance of his team’s mental fortitude.It’s going to be a difficult match. But for us, if you focus on Miami, we’ve played them twice. The first match was the start of the season, which was very interesting for me because it was my first match in MLS to see what it’s like to play against a team with Messi and what kind of effect that has on a team and the atmosphere, the fans or the officials, or whatever happens, or even on your own team or your own players.
Pascal Jansen
The winner of the Eastern Conference final will face San Diego FC or Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup on December 6.I have no problem with [being called the ‘underdog’]. They can call it whatever they want. It’s all part of the bulletproof mentality approach. So I don’t care what anyone says or what position they put us in, whether we’re the ‘underdog’ or the favorite. It’s all external noise. Everything is out of the world.
Pascal Jansen
