New York Red Bulls managing director Erik Stover has explained why he and sporting director Jeff Agoos travelled to Austria last vweek.

The duo met with Red Bull Salzburg officials to address a number of issues, mainly the on-field performances of the New York club.

The following is an excerpt from Stover on the Red Bulls Reader official blog.

'This month, I'd like to bring you up to date on my trip to Austria.

'Jeff Agoos and I spent last week in Austria to meet with ownership on a number of business issues - including the team's performance on the pitch. We met a number of times with Mr. Mateschitz and other Red Bull Soccer executives. We discussed the sporting division in great detail and identified several areas that require short-term and long-term corrections. We recognize that systemic changes are required and that our performance this year is unacceptable.

'When news of our trip was reported, many people speculated that we would make a change in the coaching staff this week. However, after much deliberation, it was decided to keep the coaching staff in place. The coaches are all aware that they are judged on the team's performance and know that their positions are on the line. But ownership is committed to its employees - at all levels - and wants them to succeed.

'I have also met with the team as a whole to inform them of the decision. Everyone understands, from the players to the coaches to the front office, that we are accountable for our actions and that things must improve. And, we'll monitor performance going forward and take actions as necessary.

'As we've continually stated, we believe that we have brought in a strong nucleus of players from which we can build for the long-term. So, we are focused on turning things around and improving the team - for this year and beyond.'