Tyrone Marshall reflects on spell as FC Cincinnati interim head coach

Tyrone Marshall says he's enjoyed the "learning experience" of his interim spell in charge of FC Cincinnati.

The former Jamaica international took the reins following Jaap Stam's sacking in September and has overseen eight games so far.

Unfortunately, Marshall has been on the losing side for all eight of those matches, scoring just 10 goals and conceding 24. Considering Cincy's slump now extends to one win and 14 defeats from their last 15 matches, it's hard to blame Marshall individually. The club were arguably destined to finish bottom of the overall standings again long before he took over.

Speaking after his side's 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, Marshall expressed his gratitude to the club for giving him the chance to grow as a coach.

"It’s been a challenging journey for myself, for the coaches who took the baton and stepped up for the club in terms of seeing out the season with the boys that they have here," he told reporters.

"For me, it’s been a great experience in terms of where I want to be as a head coach moving forward, things I need to get better at. It’s been a learning experience for me that I’ve been appreciative of."

"We keep moving. Would I say I’m relieved, no, I’m a competitor, I want to keep going as long as I can. But, obviously, the season ends next week and for me, I’m appreciative for the club for giving me the opportunity and for the guys who are helping out in the backroom, and for everyone else who has stepped up. Hopefully, preparation for next week we can get the result and finish off on a good note."

Cincy's final game of the season is at home to Atlanta United. Dependent on their result against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, the Five Stripes may still need another win to secure their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Defender Chris Duvall insisted Cincinnati won't be taking it easy on Gonzalo Pineda's men, still wanting to put on a good show for the loyal supporters that have turned out in numbers throughout the season, regardless of results.

"It’s playing for pride, we need to have a chip on our shoulder and show people we shouldn’t be in the basement of this league and that we have something to play for because although the points aren’t going to make a difference, we want to make a difference for the fans," he said.

Veteran center-back Geoff Cameron added: "You can see we have quality. We have players that can win games. Their skillset is there. But it’s got to be in your heart. Some games are ugly, some games are pretty good football. But you have to make it tough, and you have to earn it. You have to pick up first and second balls, it’s one of those things."