Lionel Messi’s team, Inter Miami, are in the midst of a rough patch that has sparked criticism. In this context, head coach Javier Mascherano delivered a clear message.
Inter Miami are at a critical juncture in the 2025 season. After an outstanding start to the year, Lionel Messi‘s team suffered back-to-back defeats—in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Major League Soccer—which triggered backlash. In response, head coach Javier Mascherano delivered a strong statement.
“It doesn’t change anything for me,” said Mascherano about the recent losses during Tuesday’s press conference, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his X account. “I believe in what we’re doing and what we’ve been doing.”
The Inter Miami coach then addressed the opinions of fans and analysts suggesting that the Herons need to alter their playing style to improve results. “We’ve been at the club for almost four months now, and one or two losses aren’t going to change my view on things,” Javier explained. “I believe in what I do every day.”
Should Mascherano change Sergio Busquets’ role?
These remarks from Javier Mascherano came after being asked about Sergio Busquets and his role on the pitch. “A player like him has complete freedom to move in the attacking phase. If there’s anyone who knows how to play as a central midfielder, it’s him. I’m not going to be the one teaching him,” said the coach.
Mascherano immediately recalled his days as a teammate of Busquets. “The first day I came here, I told him that life has these kinds of coincidences. In 2010, I went to Barcelona to learn from him, and now I’m coaching him,” Javier recalled. “I think that in my role as a coach, I can contribute—especially on the defensive side.”
Highlighting Busquets’ strengths on the field, Mascherano drew a comparison with Lionel Messi: “We have two players on the team who are specialists at finding space. One is Leo and the other is Busi, in his position.”
Mascherano won’t experiment at Inter Miami
Addressing some of the commentary suggesting Busquets could take on a different role to make use of his vision, while adding a more physically dynamic player in midfield, Javier Mascherano responded firmly. “He’ll have the freedom to play as a midfielder, but he’s going to play as a central midfielder,” clarified the coach.
“There’s no need to do strange things. Let’s put the fridge in the kitchen and the couch in the living room. This idea of starting to invent stuff, it won’t happen with me,” said Mascherano. “I believe that by doing things the right way, the team will have its chances. Making abrupt changes isn’t my thing—that’s clear.”
Inter Miami face a huge challenge ahead
Last week, Inter Miami suffered a tough 2–0 loss against Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. This Wednesday, they’ll look to turn things around in the decisive match at Chase Stadium. To do so, they’ll need at least a two-goal win to force extra time and possibly penalties. With a three-goal victory or more, they’ll advance directly to the final.
From: bolavip.com
