Ron Jans didn’t mince his words.

Following FC Cincinnati’s 3-1 home loss to Columbus Crew SC on Sunday night, he sat in his post-match press conference and delivered his verdict on the match and his expectations for the remainder of the season. He said the goals will remain the same, even if the circumstances changed.

“The goal is to cultivate a way of play and see which players fit into our future plans,” the FCC head coach said.

Since Jans’ arrival earlier this month, the plans have always focused on the future. He arrived at a club sitting last in the league standings and eager for a club overhaul in identity and a deeper embrace of the philosophy of which assistant coach Yoann Damet laid the foundation as the interim coach.

But the home loss in the #HellisReal Derby was the first time Jans focused solely on what comes next for this club over the seven matches remaining in the regular season.

“I was patient in my first three games, but you have to do it,” the Dutchman said about players showing who wants to remain at the club. “Otherwise, you are not in the plans for FC Cincinnati and not in my plans. So, the goals are to improve in the way of play and to show now who’s part of FC Cincinnati next season.”

Based on Sunday night’s performance, the coach made it clear he was pleased with the second half performance and disgusted with the first. In fact, he said Cincinnati didn’t look like a team in the first half.

“Some players, I won’t mention names here, they didn’t do what we wanted,” Jans said. “When you don’t press with 11, or two or three players do the same thing, you are in trouble.”

FCC were in trouble. By halftime, it was 3-0. The Orange and Blue offered more in attacking play in the second half and snatched a late consolation goal.

The plans stay the same for the next seven matches. But those matches determine which players will stay on the Cincinnati roster next season. Last night’s performance made that clear and Jans’ remarks said the same.