There was much talk about soccer philosophy and very little about actual soccer players when New York City F.C. introduced Jason Kreis as its first head coach on Friday. But it will have to be that way for a while.

New York City F.C., which became Major League Soccer’s 20th franchise last May, will not begin play in the league until 2015. Kreis, 41, said he welcomed that yearlong gap — his first extended break from the field in more than two decades — as a chance to immerse himself in the styles and tactics of his new employers; to compare them with the methods he used to produce six playoff appearances and one league title at his former club, Real Salt Lake; and to discuss with Manchester City officials, coaches and scouts the kinds of players he would like to bring to New York.

“The philosophies that they have implemented fall right in line with the way I see things,” Kreis said, adding: “I wouldn’t have come here had it been any other way. It’s a perfect fit.”

Kreis, who signed a four-year contract in December, will move to Manchester, England, with his family later this month. He will stay for six months, an opportunity that he described as a welcome chance at “professional development” as a coach.