/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46471206/usa-today-8589508.0.jpg)
Jesse Marsch believes in his system.
Speaking to reporters after practice on Jun. 3, Marsch says that the current run of form the Red Bulls are experiencing doesn't give him cause for alarm, or even the need to change the system drastically.
After starting the season 3-0-3, the Red Bulls have gone 1-3-2 in their last six, leaving the team in third place in the Eastern Conference.
"The early success meant that we all felt strong about what we were doing and how we were doing it, and now we're in a moment where, you know, we're struggling for results, but I don't think it's changed any of the belief of how we're doing things," Marsch said.
"So I understand why people have questions about different things, because that's what happens when you don't get the results that you -- that you need and that you should be getting. But, again, I feel strongly about our group and I feel strongly about our performances. Now it's just a matter of turning those into victories.
"But, you know, I don't think I'm -- right now, the -- there's no need for changes, I think, in what we've been doing. I think it's been pretty good so far."
The Red Bulls are prepping for a short week, with only six days to prepare for a match against the Houston Dynamo on Jun. 5. Last Sunday the Red Bulls lost 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders giving up a goal in stoppage time. After this match, defensemen Kemar Lawrence and Karl Ouimette will join their respective national teams. Luckily for the Red Bulls, there will be 15 days of rest until their next MLS match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Jun. 20.
"That's where we're at. We'll get a little bit of break after this, so right now, we need to at every level empty the tank down in Houston and know that we'll have a few days to recover and get ready for the next push in the season," Marsch added.
According to Jesse, the Red Bulls are not necessarily looking to add a game changer, as the fixture congestion, Copa America, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, U20 World Cup, and upcoming Gold Cup could deplete the roster.
"I think that we're very happy with this group and we're very happy with our player pool and the depth we have and a lot of our young players, as well as the guys who have played a lot," Marsch said
"I think, built a strong identity and a strong commitment to each other, and so whatever we do in terms of adding players, we want to make sure that it's the right fit."
Marsch also addressed the potential for pairing Anatole Abang with Bradley Wright-Phillips up front saying that as a manger he always "has to be flexible." It was reported in practice that Kemar Lawrence and Roy Miller, both natural left-backs practiced at center-backs for portions. Current center-backs Ronald Zubar (injury) and Damien Perinelle (yellow-card accumulation) will not be available for the match against Houston.
"We're looking at it a little bit, not sure exactly what we're going to do for the game on Friday, but, you know, and a lot of what we did today was even looking at late in games how we might push and make some changes, so just to kind of clear up some of the roles on the field and try guys in a few different spots when we're pushing the game," Marsch said.
"I mean, in terms of Roy and Kemar, we've got to figure out a good way to replace Damien. But, we like our group."