On Saturday (11.30 p.m./CET/Apple TV+), the German and his team will face local rivals New York City FC in the Major League Soccer conference semi-finals. In the first round, the Red Bulls eliminated last year’s champions Columbus Crew. “We are having a good season, but we have not always rewarded ourselves for good performances. We have now made up for that,” said Schwarz.
Messi and Miami already out
The 46-year-old doesn’t want to waste any thought on the fact that it now only takes three wins to win the MLS Cup title. The playoff games are something great.
“As I said, it’s like a new competition, all or nothing. A big challenge. We always only think from opponent to opponent. With the knowledge that we can beat everyone,” said Schwarz, whose team includes an old friend from the Bundesliga, Emil Forsberg (formerly RB Leipzig). Soccer world champion Lionel Messi surprisingly failed in the first round with Inter Miami.
The trainer follows the political situation in the country after the election of Donald Trump as president. “You notice the division in the country primarily through the media – especially around the election. However, I don’t encounter this in daily life,” he said.
Here are two PAA-related questions for the provided interview:
## Interview: New York Red Bulls Playoffs and Life in America
**Guests:**
* **Gerhard Struber:** Head Coach of New York Red Bulls
* **Emil Forsberg:** Midfielder for New York Red Bulls
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Tonight, we have a special treat as we’re joined by New York Red Bulls Head Coach Gerhard Struber and midfielder Emil Forsberg after their exciting win against Columbus Crew, taking them to the MLS conference semi-finals. We’ll be discussing their playoff journey, the team’s dynamic, and Coach Struber’s perspective on life in the United States.
**Section 1: Playoff Hopes and Confidence**
* Coach Struber, congratulations on your victory against Columbus Crew. You mentioned that the team has now “made up” for past performances. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that? What challenges have the Red Bulls faced this season, and how have you overcome them?
* Emil, you have a wealth of experience playing at a high level. How does the intensity and atmosphere of the MLS playoffs compare to other leagues you’ve played in, like the Bundesliga?
* Coach Struber, you’ve stated that you focus on one opponent at a time. What strengths do you see in New York City FC, and what are your tactical plans for this matchup?
**Section 2: Messi’s Early Exit and MLS Landscape**
* Coach Struber, the surprise elimination of Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the first round undoubtedly shook up the tournament. What are your thoughts on Messi’s impact on the MLS this season, and how might his absence affect the playoffs’ dynamics?
* Emil, you’ve played against Messi in Europe. How did you view his move to MLS, and what were your expectations for his time here?
* Looking at the bigger picture, how do you see the MLS evolving in terms of attracting global stars and competing with other top leagues worldwide?
**Section 3: Life in the United States**
* Coach Struber, you’ve been living in the United States for a few years now. How have you found the experience? How does American culture and lifestyle compare to what you’re used to back home in Germany?
* You mentioned experiencing the political division in the country through the media. Could you elaborate on that experience and share your observations on the political climate in the US?
* Looking forward, what are your personal goals and ambitions for the future, both on and off the field?
**Closing:**
Thank you, Coach Struber and Emil Forsberg, for joining us today and sharing your insights. We wish you the best of luck in the conference semi-finals against New York City FC. We’ll be watching closely to see how the Red Bulls fare in their quest for the MLS Cup.
