Robert Lewandowski believes his next game for the Chicago Fire will be better as he needs time to understand his team-mates.

Lewandowski's debut for the Fire ended in a 3-2 defeat to MLS Cup holders Inter Miami on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old played 62 minutes before being replaced by Robin Lod, managing just one shot and recording only four touches in the box.

Despite that tough outing, Lewandowski insists things will get easier as he spends more time on the pitch with his Chicago team-mates, with a trip to New York City up next.

"Before the game I knew I could play a maximum of 60 minutes," Lewandowski said.

"One week is not a lot of time to be ready. Before the game, I tried my best to prepare.

"I think for the next game, with more knowledge, it will be better.

"In football, you never have everything from the first day. You need to keep working. You need to play games to understand your team-mates, how they play, the movements."

Chicago head coach Gregg Berhalter added: "He’s [Lewandowski] only trained for seven or eight days, so we expect him to make a big impact as he continues to get fit.

"Like any player, you build up, you get strong, you get your power, and then you’re good. The timing is different for every player.

"We’re not in pre-season right now – we’re in the middle of a season – and that’s something to consider."

NYCFC returned to MLS action with a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.

Nicolas Fernandez and Agustin Ojeda got on the scoresheet for NYCFC, who are now sixth in the Eastern Conference, three places and four points behind Chicago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City FC – Nicolas Fernandez

Fernandez is NYCFC's top scorer in MLS this season, netting 11 goals in 16 games while also providing three assists.

Last time out against Columbus, Fernandez led his side for chances created (two), touches (78), passes in the final third (14), successful dribbles (four), duels won (10), possession regains (11) and tackles won (four).

Chicago Fire – Philip Zinckernagel

Zinckernagel has directly contributed to 11 goals in MLS this season (five goals, six assists), the second-most of any Chicago player (after Hugo Cuypers – 13).

Against Miami, Zinckernagel completed 100% of his dribbles (3/3), won nine of his 14 duels (match-high) and created the second-most chances (two).

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY FC WIN

New York City have lost just one of their last five MLS games (W3 D1), though only one of their wins came at home.

NYCFC have won both of their last two encounters against Chicago 3-1, with both fixtures taking place last year.

Indeed, NYCFC are unbeaten in their last nine meetings against the Fire, winning on six of those occasions.

Chicago's defeat to Miami last time out ended a three-game winning run. The Fire have won the third-most points on the road this season in the Eastern Conference.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City FC – 42.2%

Draw – 23.9%

Chicago Fire – 33.9%