Jason Kreis admits he took the job at New York City FC to test himself at the top.
The 41-year old left Real Salt Lake at the culmination of the 2013 season to take the reins at the MLS expansion franchise who will kick off in 2015.
Kreis spoke at a press conference on Friday that he intended to make the most of the challenge after building himself a very cushy position in Utah over the past seven years.
"The choice to come here at some point became not just a no-brainer, but an opportunity I could not let slip away," said Kreis. "The opportunity is in front of us, and we fully intend to reach out and take it.
"I believe that in this job, as in any other job, there comes a time when a new challenge is necessary.
"I'd gotten very comfortable with the surroundings at Real Salt Lake, and had done a lot of things there to build an incredibly successful franchise in an incredible community.
"Then when an opportunity like this becomes available, for me it's just something that you have to take."
