New York City FC coach Jason Kreis said his struggling team would add a third Designated Player this summer, lending further credence to reports of Italian star Andrea Pirlo being all but delivered to The Bronx.
Speaking generally of the need for reinforcements, without confirming or denying the Pirlo signing, Kreis detailed Wednesday the expansion team’s plan to take on a third major salary.
“We’ve always had in the back of our minds that we might need to make some additions over the summer. We are there,’’ Kreis said. “We obviously have a third Designated Player slot available, so that’s one for sure. We know [Frank] Lampard is coming. There’s work to be done.’’
Pirlo is set to depart Juventus after Saturday’s swan song in the Champions League final, and Spanish outlet AS has reported the 36-year-old Italian maestro is coming to New York. A source told The Post nothing is signed yet and any talk of a contract being finalized is premature. Pirlo is on a contract that pays 3.5 million euros ($3.94 million) and expires in 2016.
“Well, right now we’re balancing being focused on this team and being focused on the match [against Philadelphia on Saturday]. We’re really focused on that situation, and aren’t going to want to comment on summer transfer signings,’’ Kreis said. “We’re always going to be in those rumors, so I don’t think it does us any good ever to speculate.’’
But with New York City mired in last place in MLS, stuck in an 11-game winless skid, Kreis acknowledged the expansion team needs a boost in talent. Lampard’s arrival next month has been awaited since his ballyhooed signing last July. Pirlo – one of the world’s best passers and top dead-ball artists – would only add to the star power.
“Yeah, we have the third Designated Player slot. It’s been our plan all along to fill that and have three DPs this year,’’ Kreis said. “It’s certainly our intention.’’