Stop playing up the Andrea Pirlo situation.
That’s New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira’s stance, and he’s sticking to it, insisting he’s been subbing the pricey Italian midfielder because of tactical reasons – and not because of the 37-year-old’s fitness.
Pirlo has been substituted out of five straight games. Last week, in NYCFC’s 2-1 loss against Orlando City, Pirlo lasted just 56 minutes. Though Pirlo’s jogging pace is reminiscent of someone on a mid-day stroll through Central Park, that’s just fine with Vieira.
“I don’t expect Andrea to run like an Alex Ring,” Vieira said, referring to Pirlo’s 26-year-old midfield counterpart.