Pressure is Mostly on Red Bulls in Upcoming New York Derby, Says Savarese

When the New York Cosmos and the New York Red Bulls meet in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup there will be pressure... on the Red Bulls, according to Cosmos head Coach Giovanni Savarese.

During his weekly conference call with reporters on Tuesday the Cosmos coach said that the "responsibility" to win Saturday's first ever head-to-head match between the two New York organizations is on the MLS club.

"Being a team that is from MLS they have a responsibility to come on to the field, whoever is stepping in the field, is going to represent an MLS organization," Savarese said. "When we played the Brooklyn Italians the responsibility was on the New York Cosmos, as we were the the favorites to pass through that point. Regardless of the guys we put. Doesn't matter if Marcos [Senna] or any other player started, whoever stepped on the field represented the organization.

"So whoever they're going to play or whoever will be resting, I think the pressure is mostly on the Red Bulls to have the win... We have nothing to lose."

The comment was similar to one Savarese made following his club's 1-0 win over the Ottawa Fury in their NASL spring season finale on Sunday. However, Red Bull Head Coach Mike Petke told reporters during his weekly conference call that he does not feel any pressure going into Saturday's match.

"I don't feel any pressure whatsoever," Petke said. "I would agree with [Savarese] that the Cosmos have nothing to lose but like I said, this is a game we want to win, just like the Cosmos do... As far s pressure goes? Playing the New York Cosmos -- I don't feel any pressure."

The Cosmos won't have to see Red Bulls' stars Theirry Henry, Tim Cahill or Roy Miller when they take the field on Saturday. Petke will also give Ryan meara the start against the Cosmos in lieu of starter Luis Robles.

However the Cosmos are potentially going to be without several players as well. Roversio (hamstring), Diomar Diaz (hamstring), and most importantly Marcos Senna (groin) are all questionable for this weekends match. Savarese said about their status, "they're progressing very nicely so I won't rule them out from being available for our game."