New York Red Bull signing Salou Ibrahim needs time to adjust to the MLS game according to head coach Hans Backe.

The 30-year old Ghanaian forward has appeared twice for his new club so far but Backe is adamant that his performances will improve once he has more playing time under his belt so he can learn more about the MLS way of life.

"In the start of the game I'd say so, to get a good start, to be competitive. We need some strength up front in the beginning of the game,'' said Backe. "He needs games. This is rather normal, when you get new players in and players had a preseason…and he played his last game in December. So he definitely needs 4, 5, 6 games to be on his best.

"Because of his strength and his power, he should be good in MLS to compete with the centerbacks. He should be a pain in the ass for them, but he was not mobile enough against Dallas. Even the small guys were winning the headers against him because he'd just stand still and jump. No runs, getting into the air. So that was the bad thing.''

Ibrahim echoed Backe's sentiments, saying it may take a little bit of time until he fully adjusts to his new teammates.

"It's always difficult when you come in and competition already started; you have to find your way. It's a learning process. I have to learn to play with the team, not the team playing with me,'' said Ibrahim. "When you're playing the first time with (Juan Pablo) Angel, you have to watch him so you don't run like stupid people in the same place.

"The first game against Santos I ran a lot, and that's the kind of play I like. But when you're playing with somebody for the first time you have to watch so you don't run in the same place. It's a matter of learning. Every player is different; you have to know how to play with a player. It'll come, it's just a matter of time.''