LA Galaxy 1, New York City 1
Q. (Regarding Marco in the back field.) From then on, what did you like sort of...
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, it was a great assist from Marco. We know he's a player that can make the assists. Yeah, I think after the goal we had two or three good moments that maybe we have to do a little bit better.
I think most of the time they had the ball, but we didn't suffer a lot; they didn't create a lot. The team showed great mentality, and with the experience that I have now, I know that we will have games like that and we have to get something out of that.
So unfortunately wasn't the three points, but I think the mentality was great.
Q. You come into the team and it's been game, game, game; not as many sessions on field where you get to work together. Where are the areas you feel you needed to become more in tune and everyone needs to become more in tune with you as well?
JOAO KLAUSS: I think since the first day the guys welcomed me very, very well. I've been talking a lot of them. Also with the Coachella we were able to spend a lot of time together. It's not just me, it's the whole team. We have to get at the same page in few moments.
But I think the start point was good today. I think again the mentality was great. We didn't suffer a lot; didn't give a lot of opportunities for them. Of course after the red card things become a little bit difficult for us.
Yeah, it was important to get a point from this game.
Q. Greg talked about your ability to hold the ball. He actually said he envisions you getting as many assists as goals this year. Talk to us about that, understanding (indiscernible.) Or do you like to play of the line or receive the ball?
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, I think during my career I always played as a role in the team that's of course the hold up play, but I also think I'm a guy that have qualities to go outside of the box and combine and create for the team as well.
I think I feel good doing that. I think this put myself into the game. I'm not the striker that want to stay in the box for 90 minutes and maybe touch the ball five or six times.
Of course I know my job and I know I have to score goals, but I enjoy a lot to go out of the box, create, combine, and I think I can help the team in this way as well.
Q. (Indiscernible.) How do you see the relationship with those other guys, with you, especially during this game? How important is it to keep building on it?
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, I think it's very easy to create a relationship with great players. With their qualities it's not difficult. I mean, coming to the team I think my job is to make the things easier for them. I think they're the stars. I think they will create the most for the team.
My job is to make the things easier for them. So I have to move out of my move to help him to hold up the ball for him. I have to run out of Pec or maybe chance to combine for him to open space, and (indiscernible) the same way.
So, yeah, for me it's very easy to create connections. It's been good from day one and I'm really happy with that.
Q. First of all, great job today, great game. This season is very interesting, and of course a team like that shows the mentality in the new season. What do you want to contribute to the team in terms of mentality?
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, I think today was a great start point. I think last year if I'm not wrong didn't have a lot of the games that they suffer like we did today and still got a point from the game.
So I think was very different today. Also with the player who arrive, with the players that were here, of course it was a weird season for Galaxy last year. It's the same team that won the league two years ago, so the quality is there.
I think if you get the mentality right as well, especially these kind of games, I'm pretty sure it's going to be a different season.
Q. You look like a player that really takes a lot of pride in the defensive part of the game. Is that something that you consciously set an example for your teammates?
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, I think the soccer change a lot from years ago. I think everyone has to contribute to the team in the defensive part and offensive part. I think we are the first ones to press up high and that help the defense.
And also for us to score a goal we need them to create from the back. So I think we had to play as a team in all the phases of the game. I think being the first guy to start the pressing, I have to show the example, so I always give my 100% for the team. I always put the team in front of me. It's not about me; it's about the team.
That's the mentality I try to show every single day and every single game.
Q. Greg said that with your press and intensity that everyone was going to have to catch up and keep up with you.
JOAO KLAUSS: I appreciate. That's a good start.
Q. How special was it for you to score in your debut?
JOAO KLAUSS: Yeah, I think I can't say words to describe my feeling in this moment. It was amazing. I've been in the league for three years and everybody in the league dreamed to play for Galaxy. So in my first game in front of the fans and with 85 seconds or something I score my first goal, it was magic.
So we're happy. We're proud. Hope it's the first of many.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports