Jordi Alba expressed the deep disappointment felt by Inter Miami following their shock elimination against Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS playoffs, losing 3-2 in a decisive Game 3, and 2-1 in the best-of-three series.
“It’s a difficult day. We need to evaluate everything, but from within, I believe we lacked better control over their counterattacks. I think we deserved more goals across the three matches, especially in the second and third games,” the left-back analyzed in the mixed zone. The former Barcelona star was notably displeased with the referee’s performance, as captured in several videos, where he was heard saying to the referee: “You’re a coward, you’re a coward!”
“Today, I think we were superior; we dominated the game, but they managed to score three goals from only four chances. There are clear aspects to correct, but it’s a tough day. We aspired to win, but we must congratulate the opposing team and we have no choice but to assimilate what has happened, correct our mistakes, and for the future, I hope it serves us well,” the Spaniard added.
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Led by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, Miami had clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield this year (awarded to the best team during the regular season) and set a record with 74 points in the league.
However, this Saturday, they exited the Cup playoff at the first hurdle against an Atlanta United side that finished ninth in the Eastern Conference during the regular season with just 40 points and entered the playoffs as the eighth seed via the wild card, undergoing a rebuilding phase with an interim manager (Rob Valentino).
Jordi Alba emphasized that it was “a good season” in MLS for the pink-clad team, being the best during the regular season and setting a points record. “But what we wanted was to win these playoffs,” he clarified.
“In my opinion, I’m not the one who can change how competition should be conducted, but I think this format is a little unjust. It’s clear this has been done for many years, but if you ask me, I would prefer it to be the champion of one conference facing the champion of another for fairness,” he added.
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The former Barcelona player praised Atlanta United’s performance, particularly highlighting the “spectacular” display of goalkeeper Brad Guzan. “Their keeper saved everything and more,” he admitted. “We did many things well, but also quite a few things poorly (…). We did not expect this, but that’s football for you. When you miss chances and concede goals from almost nothing, winning becomes very difficult,” he concluded.
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