New York City FC boss Jason Kreis wants his world-class stars to take a little bit more control of the team.

The expansion franchise have won just one of their past six MLS fixtures which has seen them drop towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference table.

In the wake of last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Columbus Crew, Kreis called out his players for their below-par performances.

His side now boasts such names as Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and David Villa and Kreis feels that perhaps NYCFC should be achieving a little more success with these guys at the forefront.

"We aren't a finished product," Kreis said.

"I feel very positive that we're headed in the right direction, but as I said, effort is going to matter a lot. I truly believe that in our league the difference between the very best team in the league and the very worst team in the league often times comes down to how much they believe and want to work together.

"We have some very experienced players on this team, both on the world level and MLS level, and I believe that all of that experience has to count for something. People need to step forward and take charge a little bit more."