2021 MLS CUP: PORTLAND VS NEW YORK CITY

December 11, 2021

Maxime Chanout

New York City FC

Postgame Press Conference

New York City 1, Portland 1

4-2 Penalties

Q. Describe winning two shootouts in Philadelphia to get here, what does it mean to you and the City of New York?

MAXIME CHANOT: It's just like a great achievement. So happy and so proud for the performance we have. So happy for the fans and everybody who works at the club, and the city, it's been such a long time for a Major League won anything in New York. To bring back the Cup to New York is something very, very special.

Q. Talk about the defensive performance you guys had today, aside from the goal in the closing stages of the match. Talk about the way the back line performed today.

MAXIME CHANOT: I think when we speak about the defensive side, we cannot speak only about the back line, because it would be like defending -- I think tonight it's very important to put the front player in the lights because it's been amazing the way they defend within the press, and obviously it makes our job as a defender way more easier.

So I think we defend with 11 players, it's been amazing, and obviously the back line did the job.

Q. You've been with the club for a long time, one of the longest-tenured players on this roster. When you came here, you had a bunch of big stars. And the club has shifted to a different model, and you don't have a lot of big names but a lot of excellent players, and you won this title today. What does it mean to do it with this group, and how do you think the organization has evolved?

MAXIME CHANOT: You have to give credit to the club, other players like Taty, Sean, Maxi. I had a chance to play with those players and who have so much experience, I learn from them and how to win the game. We have to give credit to all the guys for sure.

All the young players, James -- at some point, I don't say, I mean, today obviously is a great win from all the squad, but I believe we have also to think about the players who came here and gave so much experience and they are so proud of this title today.