HANOVER, N.J. – Sacha Kljestan has been nothing short of a vital cog for the New York Red Bulls this year, running the midfield and earning 2016 MLS All-Star accolades in the process. Right now, the midfielder is playing at arguably the highest level of his long career.
As a first-round pick of Chivas USA in 2006, Kljestan first met Jesse Marsch as a teammate. Then Marsch retired and moved into coaching, and he and Kljestan were united again with the US national team, with whom Marsch was an assistant coach under Bob Bradley. Kljestan was then brought in by Marsch, New York's head coach, last offseason from Belgium giants Anderlecht.
Just a few weeks ago, Marsch called Kljestan the “perfect No. 10 for us.” In 20 appearances this year, Kljestan has four goals and 10 assists.
Marsch consistently hails Kljestan for his fitness and unselfish work. The 30-year-old is also a part of the Red Bulls' leadership council, which is comprised of veterans on the team.
MLSsoccer.com sat down with Kljestan to talk about a number of topics, and here is the Q&A (edited for clarity):
MLSsoccer.com: You started your career in MLS and then left to play for UEFA Champions League club Anderlecht in Belgium. Now you’ve been back for 18 months. Are you having more fun now or when you first joined the league?
Kljestan: It’s hard to compare, different periods throughout my career I’ve had highs and lows – many more good periods than bad. When I look back at my time at Chivas, it was more exciting to just be a professional player, to play in front of my friends and family. To start getting notoriety, to start being recognized.
Those were all fun things when you’re a kid starting to be a professional. Now that I’ve grown up and been playing for a long time, I enjoy playing in front of my wife and daughter every game. I really enjoy seeing my daughter’s smile after a win or a loss. Yeah, times have changed.
MLSsoccer.com: What is the biggest contribution to this team that you have made over the last couple years?
Kljestan: There’s the off the field and the on the field part.
On the field, I don’t think there are many No. 10s around the league who have put up the numbers that I have. I think that from just a performance and production standpoint, I think it’s been pretty good. But I always challenge myself to be better. And when I don’t make plays, I think about the ones I missed and how I can be better.
From an off the field standpoint, I think I’ve brought a good leadership role to the team. I think I’ve been a good role model for the youngsters. I hope they can look up to me based off what I do every day.
MLSsoccer.com: You were born in California and then went across the country to Seton Hall in New Jersey for college. Then you came back to this area after being in Europe. Why the move back to New Jersey?
Kljestan: California is always home, will always be home to me. I still have my home there that I go back to in the offseason.
But I certainly love being here. What I like most about being here is the passion of the fans. In California – it’s a lot bigger. Things are more spread out. The [LA Galaxy's] stadium isn’t in a downtown area where I don’t think we reach as many people as we do here.
Just being here, walking in New York or Jersey, I see a lot of passion from the fans. I see a lot of people who are supporters of the team or aren’t fans of the team – they let me know. I love the passion of the fans. It’s always been my dream to live close to New York City so I’m glad I accomplished that.
MLSsoccer.com: You remember the league at a very different time before you made the move to Europe. It has certainly changed quite a bit and grown over the past few years.
Kljestan: When I started in the league, there were only 12 teams. It was a small league, small TV deals. Not very recognizable. Nowadays things have changed.
Obviously in Belgium, I played for the biggest club and the biggest sport in the nation. That was different for sure. The fans here are passionate here in the New York/New Jersey area – I do get recognized quite a bit. But I think it is mainly the ‘stache.
MLSsoccer.com: Do the Anderlecht supporters still stay in contact with you? You were a bit of a legend there and your farewell match was moving with the tribute they made for you.
Kljestan: A lot of fans do reach out to me on Twitter, Instagram and social media saying, ‘Come back,’ which is very nice to know that a lot of fans over there have become supportive. A lot of the supporters over there have become supporters of the Red Bulls and follow the team, which is pretty cool.
I’m glad I made a connection over there, which was one my goals. I didn’t want to just be an anonymous guy over there. I wanted to be a leader on the team, in the community, to have mattered. I appreciate what that club has given to me.
MLSsoccer.com: Your head coach called you the “Perfect No. 10” for the Red Bulls when describing how you fit into the team. Hearing those words, what went through your mind?
Kljestan: Confidence. Anytime I speak to Jesse on the field or in the office, he gives me confidence. He believes in me at such a high level, it only helps. Not as just a player but as a person, too. I appreciate all the support he’s given me over the last 18 months and throughout my career as well.
