Mastroeni acknowledges challenges of integrating new players as Houston Dynamo faces Real Salt Lake

Coach Paulo Nagamura has overhauled the squad in a bid to improve on last season's disappointing 13th-place finish in the Western Conference.

Houston Dynamo head coach Paulo Nagamura acknowledges the challenges of integrating new players into the team ahead of their clash with Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Nagamura has made significant changes to the squad during the off-season, bringing in 11 new players, including forward Thorleifur Ulfarsson from Vancouver Whitecaps and midfielder Fafa Picault from FC Cincinnati.

Nagamura confident in new-look squad

Despite the influx of new faces, Nagamura is confident that the team can gel quickly and challenge for a playoff spot this season.

"We have a lot of new players, but I think we have a good group of guys who are willing to work hard and learn," Nagamura said. "We're still trying to find our identity as a team, but I think we're moving in the right direction."

The Dynamo will face a tough test against Real Salt Lake, who finished third in the Western Conference last season.

However, Nagamura is confident that his team can get a result if they play to their potential.

"Real Salt Lake is a good team, but I think we can beat them if we play our game," Nagamura said. "We need to be organized and disciplined, and we need to take our chances when we get them."