Pascal Jansen’s 2025 halfway review: The NYCFC head coach has potential

When New York City FC announced Pascal Jansen as the new head coach, there was hope that he would lead them to brighter days.  Life under Nick Cushing was not great, and the Pigeons needed a stronger leader who could bring them back to where they should be in Major League Soccer. 

Jansen entered his tenure with NYCFC with a decent resume.  He was successful with previous teams and was known for developing the youth.  With multiple younger Homegrown players on the roster, the Bronx team needed someone like him.

With 17 Major League Soccer games and 18 overall in the rearview mirror, there is enough out there to pass judgment on Jansen.  Sure, fans have to wait until the full season is played.  Still, everyone can voice their opinions about the head coach since the team is at the halfway point of the MLS season.

So, how is he doing?  Is he the right person for the job?  There are certain variables that are impacting his job as the head coach, but overall, Jansen has done a decent job at NYCFC.  He has the potential to take this team back to being a top-of-the-table side and compete every year for trophies.  At the same time, the results in 2025 highlight that he is not a coaching magician.  More than likely, the fruits of his labor will not be seen in full until 2026.

Pascal Jansen might be the right coach for NYCFC

Jansen has led NYCFC to a 7-6-4 record in MLS after 17 matches.  It is not the best record, but it is better than what Nick Cushing did in his first full season, where they were 4-7-6.  At the same time, with the expectation of the newer head coach being better than his predecessor, it is not as good as last year’s 9-6-2 record.

Some of the blame for the record this season can be due to the players.  The roster depth is thin, especially with some of the younger players still needing time to develop.  Jansen has already improved the younger wingers like Julián Fernández, but there is still more to be desired.  He has given Jonathan Shore the chance, and the midfielder has done very well in his first season with the MLS side.

Other than the roster depth, the team lacks consistency.  They are not consistent with their play, which is why they have had a very bumpy roller coaster season.  They have had great wins against top teams like FC Cincinnati and the Philadelphia Union.  But then, they lost games they should have won, such as the home match against CF Montréal.

Of course, one of the biggest issues, which has happened in previous seasons, is when NYCFC struggles to score.  They have already gone through that once this season, and somehow managed to pick up a few wins.  Still, that also cost them points. 

Nevertheless, Jansen’s tactics and ability to adjust during games are better than Cushing's.  Fans can see from viewing matches that the head coach knows how to tinker with what the Pigeons are doing midgame.  He is also not afraid to make substitutions to adjust and take off players who are not performing well.  He does not hold hands, and instead rewards those who produce and play well.

He is also honest.  He does not hide behind vague statements and will tell the media and fans what went wrong.  He has brought up the idea of consistency numerous times and understands what is needed to fix the team.

As such, the difference with Jansen being in charge of NYCFC is refreshing.  He does not make excuses and says what needs to be done for his time to be successful.

With about half of the season over, there is no question that he has the potential to lead the Pigeons to success.  There are certain aspects to this year’s squad that are out of his control.  It is too soon, though, to declare whether he is the right man in charge.  Time is needed for Jansen to truly change NYCFC after a few years of disappointment.