It's a toss-up which is more lame, coach Hans Backe's undeserved lame- duck status, or the Red Bulls' performance lately against the best teams.
Nevertheless, Backe said his situation hasn't affected his Red Bulls, who can clinch their ninth MLS playoff berth in 10 years tonight.
"I don't think so," Backe said of results suffering because he lacks a contract extension. "Everyone is competitive, a professional. Everyone knows it's up to us. We need to perform. We have to win football games."
Backe also said that, despite a disputed quote he plans to return to Europe in December, he hasn't ruled out returning next season.
"Not at all. We will talk about it when the season is done," Backe said.
The Red Bulls don't have to beat East-leading FC Kansas City, but triumph in Saturday night's home finale (7:00, MSG Plus) would rekindle flagging hope they have ended their recent mediocrity and still could bring home their first MLS Cup.
"If you want to be Top 3, it's a must win. To get into the playoffs, we could be happy with a tie. But we need to try to avoid the wild-card team," Backe said. "When go into playoffs, you need to hit form. When you're in the playoffs, any team can win this."
The Red Bulls can back into the playoffs even in defeat if Columbus loses to DC United, or if both tie, but Backe's squad needs to build some self-confidence, especially the way they have trash-talked their own chances of doing anything the way they have been playing.
The Red Bulls have won just twice (2-2-3) in the past two months, and neither came in two tries against Kansas City, 0-1-1. The Bulls have beaten only dead-last Toronto and playoff-chasing Columbus in their last seven.
mark.everson@nypost.com
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