Minnesota Preview: Chanot on Flipping the Switch

NYCFC is on the road this week looking to get the first win of the season against Minnesota United FC, as the Loons commemorate the opening of their new stadium, Allianz Field. 

The Boys in Blue will be the first opponent to play at Allianz Field which some may view as intimidating... but not Maxime Chanot. The NYCFC defender views the team's sixth match of Season 5 like any other road game.

“For us, it’s going to be an away game so we know it’s always tough. I don’t think it’s going to be a big difference for us and even for them, at this point, we just want to win every game that we play - at home or away," Chanot told reporters.

It’s no secret that NYCFC’s battle to get the season’s first win has been just that, a battle, but it’s not for a lack of effort. For Chanot, there’s no use in hiding behind words like “bad luck,” it’s all about maintaining focus on the objective that lies ahead. 

“At this moment, I don’t want to hide behind saying that we don’t have luck," Chanot asserted, "We may be in a bad moment but I know that inside the group and inside the Club, we all believe in ourselves, I’m sure goals will come for sure.

“I want to win a title with this club, this club deserves it. Our objective is to be in the Playoffs and to be champions, I’ll never hide this and we’ve got enough quality to make it so obviously we need a victory to reach our objective. But it’s no rush, it’s football - we all believe in our coach, we all believe in our Club."

Chanot’s presence in the locker room and on the pitch has shown the leadership quality that he brings to the team. 

It's a role the Luxembourg international relishes and one that will be important, both in Minnesota and going forward through the campaign.

“I’m here to give the experience that I learned the last few years in New York City and I think that’s why I will be useful the next few games, especially in this kind of moment," Maxime added.

“But it’s not only me, there’s Ring, there is Sean Johnson, there is Maxi Moralez, we are 4-5 players who can help the team to grow up. I’m very proud of this role and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

As the game in Minnesota is fast approaching the team has been in training, day in, and day out to ensure the result and determine the best way to prepare to continue to fight for the season's first three points. 

“We want to show to the club and the coach that we are 100% and we’re going to look for our first win this week against Minnesota," he said.

“I’m not worried at all because I know the quality we have in this group and I’m sure we’re going to switch on the blue button.”

The hunt for the season’s first win continues as NYCFC travels to Allianz Field to take on Minnesota United FC on Saturday at 5 p.m. Don’t miss out on your chance to support your Boys in Blue on the road, tune in to ESPN2 or listen on WNYE 91.5 FM.