Gerardo 'Tata' Martino returns to Major League Soccer as the new head coach of Inter Miami, replacing interim Javier Morales following the firing of Phil Neville at the start of June.
He previously led Atlanta United in 2018, guiding the new team to their first-ever MLS Cup with a 2-0 triumph over the Portland Timbers to seal his name into league history.
"You remember those great moments," Martino said of the Five Stripes in his introductory press conference. |And so sometimes you have dreams of being able to replicate them in other places.|
Now, the Argentine is set to lead the Herons into a new era as Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets prepare to join the team. Though the two players have yet to be officially announced by the South Florida side, with contracts still pending, Martino confirmed their intention to compete.
"That the world's greatest player decides to play in this league, evidently it will open an even greater scenario of growth. When I spoke with Leo, yesterday I spoke with Sergio. We spoke about coming to make things happen. To compete, to compete well. They're competitors, world champions, champions of the Spanish league… it's in their blood."
But despite a new star-studden roster, the coach insists navigating certain challenges will be a difficult task.
"In 2023 I think there are still some beautiful challenges ahead. First, to see if we can finally reach playoff positioning… As long as there's the possibility, we can't stop trying."
Inter Miami currently sit in last place of the Eastern Conference table with a mere 15 points in 18 games and a 5W-13L-0D record. Though mathematically, the Herons could still qualify for playoffs, it’ll be a constant uphill battle.
The team has no margin of error, having to win almost all of their remaining matches to secure at least the ninth place slot on the table and compete in the postseason playoff round. But Martino is already looking ahead, in the case the South Florida side cannot qualify.
"Then there's the big challenge, which consists of building our definitive team between this moment and the beginning of the 2024 season. That's the moment we have to use to have the team that will definitively represent Inter Miami," he added.
Martino continues to await the approval of a work visa, leaving interim Javier Morales on the sidelines for Saturday’s match against Austin FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Gerardo Martino dreams of 'replicating' 2018 MLS victory with Inter Miami and Lionel Messi .
