“I’m trying not to overplay with them, give them a lot of information,” said Benteke. “I think they are good players. They know how to play the game, but it’s more about how I act, how I show up every morning, what I do, because sometimes actions speak louder than words. So based on how I am on a daily basis, they know what they have to do if they want to have a great career.”
If only expected goals count as much as real. United’s 2024 could look very different today.
Given that this was widely regarded – both inside the club and outside – as a year of renaissance for the black-and-red, they have been surprisingly effective under Lesesne, leading MLS in xG for months, a statistic that generally indicates a successful game in all areas of the field, despite the final results. Even after an 11-game winless streak from mid-May to mid-July, United are still among the best in the league with 49.9 xG, which ranks seventh in MLS, and they are one of only two teams in the top 10 not currently in the playoffs.
It has helped fuel belief in Lesesne’s fast-paced, pressing style of play, even when points slip from their grasp. So has the young, self-made coach’s leadership and culture-building skills in his first permanent head coaching job at this level after earning respect and success, but not full-time, during a temporary stint with the New York Red Bulls. last season.
“I like Troy’s ideas,” said Benteke. “Coming in as DC’s first manager and knowing his background, that’s a big step for him as well.” But I think he was really determined with the credentials, the way we wanted to play and we have an identity. When we play we know that this is DC, this is how they play, and this is something that I appreciate from him, because we have clear credentials, that we win, that we lose, that we draw, we have clear identity.
“All credit to him, because obviously we’re not having the best season in the world, but with all the situations that have been going on with injured players, missing players and everything, he’s been a real professional. He’s been very focused on his job and how we can just keep going and get better.”