Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, without question the Red Bulls’ most acclaimed and accomplished players, say the team’s late-season streak has little to do with ability and everything to do with attitude.
Henry admits Saturday’s 2-2 tie with New England – a game in which they coughed up two late goals and appeared set for a collapse – was the kind they would’ve lost a few months ago. And the latter – whose header seven minutes into added time stole the point – admitted last year’s team would’ve rolled over and accepted that loss.
“At the end of the day we didn’t lose. I think a couple of months ago we would’ve lost that one,’’ said Henry. “Somehow we found a second third, fourth gear to make sure we were not going to give up. That’s something we have right now.’’
There is irony in the fact that the Red Bulls have shown more fight since Henry’s practice field fight with rookie coach Mike Petke, 5-0-2 since the two of them had an altercation last month.
“We know, especially the way we’ve been grabbing points recently it’s all about attitude and commitment,’’ said Henry. “All the games were fighting games. We know we have that, and you have to bring that mentality into the playoffs if we want to win….Usually things go your way when everybody gives 100 percent.’’
And according to Cahill, the Red Bulls are giving 100 percent not just for each other, but for the supporters. And he’s convinced the team’s newfound willingness to fight to the finish, to be accountable to each other and their fans, is a big reason they enjoyed an electric atmosphere and fourth sellout of the season Saturday.
“For me, they’re all special because it means so much for the fans. You see the way the players play: We play for the badge. We don’t play for just the game; we play for the fans,’’ said Cahill. “The mentality of this team has changed in the year-and-a-half since I’ve been here…It’s a special club to play for.’’
Cahill arrived in New York after a career at Everton and Millwall, both known for blue-collar hardworking teams that mirrored their supporters. He admits when he got here, he found a culture within the organization that was far too tolerant of losing, a lack of accountability that’s been systematically weeded out.
“When I came here first it was a bit messy,’’ Cahill acknowledged. “Everything was just ok, and it was accepted some things that happened in games, and losing. It just wasn’t (cohesive), when you had players coming in and out. Now it’s a team that plays for each other, to the end of every game, and this season shows.
“You can see the difference in the club and how it’s evolving with the fans. There’s more interaction. The stadium’s filling up because we’re doing so well. I just feel like I wanted to bring what I had my whole career at Everton and Millwall. If not, then there wasn’t any point in being here.’’