New York Red Bull head coach Mike Petke was thrilled with the support and congratulations he received from his players after the weekend's season-opening win.
The Red Bulls won their first MLS match under Petke's tutelage with a 2-1 triumph over Philadelphia Union, prompting the likes of Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill to speak glowingly of their boss.
Petke admitted it was humbling to receive such words of backing from his star players.
"Listen, of course I'm very happy that they feel that way," Petke said. "I try to treat all the players the right way, (with) total respect for the players and doing what I feel is right for the players.
"For them to say things like that, of course it makes me feel that everybody's on board. They're willing to do what I say and working hard for me, and that's phenomenal.
"It's funny that I'm saying I'm glad for them and they're glad for me; maybe we should meet somewhere in the middle and maybe we'll win a lot of games. They're great guys. I'm very impressed that they didn't get frustrated over the last three weeks. I know from watching the games we deserved better than what we got; and for them to get this is great."
