New York Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe says he is excited about the fresh changes the club has made over the off-season.

The club recently sacked highly-rated assistants Richie Williams and Des McAleenan, bringing in Norwegian Jan Halvor Halvorsen and retired player Mike Petke.

Backe did not reveal the reason why the changes were made but did seem extremely excited about the season ahead.

"I can't or don't want to comment anything on that," Backe told the NY Post.

"That's the way it is, the situation. I can't say anything."

He said that Petke, originally hired as development coach, would certainly be heavily involved with day-to-day operation of the first team.

"He was 50-50 with the office and coaching, but he will definitely be 80-20 with the coaching staff," added Backe.

"I'm excited to build something, excited about all the (training) facilities. I'm really looking forward to this."