Tajouri-Shradi puzzled by NYCFC benching: 'I gave my best in preseason'

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi refuted his manager's suggestion that he isn't training as hard for New York City FC this season.

Head coach Domenec Torrent told Pro Soccer USA's Glenn Crooks in mid-March that the Libyan attacker's omission from the starting lineup was based on his preseason performance. "It's not about last year," Torrent added.

However, Tajouri-Shradi insisted there hasn't been a dip in his work rate or productivity on the training pitches.

"I was very happy to get back to work," he told theScore on Wednesday. "I gave my best in preseason, and when the league starts this is the position the coach wants to take. I have to respect what the coach thinks and have keep going and train hard every day."

Tajouri-Shradi, who turned 25 on Thursday, moved to Major League Soccer in 2018 and went on to score 11 goals while assisting three times despite starting only 18 matches. This term, he's been limited to just 21 minutes from the bench in NYCFC's opening three skirmishes.

While David Villa left for Japan in the offseason, the subsequent arrivals of Alexandru Mitrita, Valentin Castellanos, and Heber, along with Jonathan Lewis' return to the senior fold, have intensified competition for places in the Big Apple.

Tajouri-Shradi claimed the increased rivalry for a spot in Torrent's starting lineup hasn't coincided with him not matching last season's efforts.

"I don't think so. I love to give everything in training," he said. "Of course, some days you cannot be every day in the high level, but I try every day my best."

He continued: "I don't think something changes from last year to this year."