Red Bulls admit problems with chemistry

After an underachieving season, the $13 million Red Bulls talked about tactics and trades and technique. But the fact is they struggled not because of ability but attitude, with a fractured locker room and lousy chemistry that has to change, or their 2012 could well look like their 2011, eliminated in the MLS conference semis.

“It has to be changed. We’ve had a lot of problems, with the red cards, other things that happened,” said coach Hans Backe, who saw the strife bottom out when Rafa Marquez ripped his teammates for not being on his level, singling out Tim Ream. “This has been the messiest year I’ve been involved with in 32 years. It has to be a cleanup for next year.’’

“The frustration got to everybody more than anything,” Ream said. “[Backe said] just to cut out all the back-room chatter. When certain controversial things arose, there was a lot of chatter in the locker room, some guys not talking to other guys.

“I didn’t see the fight from everybody for each other through the struggles in the middle part of the year. We all finally figured out that’s what we needed to do.’’

Backe said he expects goalkeeper Frank Rost to depart, opening up a Designated Player slot with which the team will target a striker or central midfielder.

Even if Rost stays, the Red Bulls will look to add a central midfielder and a physical centerback to pair with Ream. They’ll also try to extend left midfielder Joel Lindpere to a multi-year deal if possible, or simply pick up his club option.

brian.lewis@nypost.com