New York Red Bulls midfielder Joel Lindpere has been warned by coach Hans Backe to forget about playing in a central role.

Lindpere has repeatedly declared he wants to play in the middle of midfield.

"I don't bother. I couldn't care less,'' Backe told the New York Post. "We know that it doesn't work centrally; he's more of a wide player who can tuck in in the attacking game. He's not a guy who can win 50-50's and put pressure on midfields. He's a guy who needs time and space on the ball and then create for crosses and one-two's and things like that."