Javier Mascherano takes over as coach of Inter Miami Newslooks Washington DC Mary Sidiqi Evening Edition Javier Mascherano has officially taken over as coach of Inter Miami, replacing Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Presented at a press conference on Tuesday, Lionel Messi’s former teammate expressed his confidence in leading this ambitious club. With a three-year contract and close ties to Inter Miami’s star players, Mascherano begins his tenure with high expectations and a drive to succeed.
Mascherano takes charge of Inter Miami: quick overview
- New management: Javier Mascherano succeeds Gerardo “Tata” Martino as head coach of Inter Miami.
- Deep Connections: Former teammate of Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba, Mascherano is taking up the challenge.
- Long term plan: Inter Miami had their sights set on Mascherano as early as 2019.
- Past experience: He coached Argentina’s under-20 and Olympic teams before joining Miami.
- High expectations: The club is looking to build on Martino’s legacy, including winning the 2023 League Cup.
- Three-year contract: Mascherano has a long-term contract to guide the team.
Deep look
Javier Mascherano officially took over as head coach of Inter Miami on Tuesday, succeeding Gerardo “Tata” Martino after a brief but successful search. Mascherano, 40, brings a combination of playing experience and recent coaching expertise to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, home to global superstars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.
This transition marks a new chapter for Inter Miami as Mascherano strives to maintain the high standards set by Martino while pursuing ambitious goals for the club’s future.
Introduction and first challenges
Mascherano’s introductory press conference began with a moment of levity as the coach battled a coughing fit attributed to Miami’s air conditioning. Once installed, Mascherano spoke confidently about his new role, emphasizing his willingness to take on the challenges ahead.
“I’m confident I can do it,” Mascherano said. “I don’t doubt it. »
The former Argentine player and FC Barcelona star takes on a role that combines intense pressure and immense opportunities. Inter Miami’s games, fortunately, are played outdoors, a relief for Mascherano, who joked about his struggles with indoor air conditioning.
A path that has lasted for years
Mascherano’s connection with Inter Miami dates back to 2019, when the club offered him a dual proposition: to play for the team in its inaugural season and move into a coaching role within its academy. At the time, the timing was not right, but owner-manager Jorge Mas always believed that Mascherano was destined to join the club.
“Five years later, here he is. It’s destiny,” Mas said.
In 2024, Mascherano’s arrival is part of a transparent succession plan following Martino’s decision to step down for personal reasons.
Build on solid foundations
Martino left an indelible mark on Inter Miami during his season and a half with the team. Under his leadership, the club won Leagues Cup 1.5 and set an MLS record for best regular season performance en route to the Supporters’ Shield. Despite a disappointing first-round elimination in the playoffs, Martino’s legacy provides a solid foundation for Mascherano to build upon.
Strong ties with star players
Mascherano’s appointment as coach comes with a unique advantage: deep and long-standing relationships with key players at Inter Miami. A former teammate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets during his years at Barcelona, Mascherano understands the dynamics of training athletes with whom he has previously shared the pitch.
“We separate the two. Work is one thing, friendship is one thing,” Mascherano said, discussing the potential challenge of transitioning from teammate to coach.
This familiarity with the squad goes beyond camaraderie. Mascherano’s experience as Messi’s teammate at Barcelona and Argentina gives him an inherent confidence that could prove instrumental in achieving the team’s ambitious goals.
Coaching journey and vision
Mascherano has coached Argentina’s U20s and Olympics, two positions that have given him valuable experience in managing pressure and expectations. Although he is relatively new to club coaching, his experience with Argentina’s national teams has allowed him to learn how to handle high-stakes situations.
“I am very grateful to Argentina for understanding that this was a big step for me and for allowing me to take it,” said Mascherano, reflecting on the Argentine federation’s decision to release him from his contract two years earlier.
Mascherano’s three-year contract with Inter Miami highlights the club’s long-term commitment to his vision. “Being able to coach this club is a very ambitious project,” he said, adding that he looked forward to continuing to build on the team’s success.
Future challenges and ambitions
Inter Miami begins this new chapter with high expectations. The team’s roster and recent success in MLS have set the bar high, but Mascherano’s appointment demonstrates a commitment to continued growth.
As the club prepares for training camp next month, Mascherano will focus on integrating his philosophy, managing veteran stars and maintaining the winning culture established under Martino.
The relationships he maintains with players like Messi and Suarez are considered assets, particularly in promoting cohesion on and off the pitch. “I have a relationship not only with Leo, but also with three other players on this team,” Mascherano said. “I always thought this relationship would be useful. »
From teammate to leader
Moving from a prestigious playing career to a leadership role is a natural progression for Mascherano, whose achievements as a player include two Champions League titles, five La Liga championships and 147 international appearances with Argentina, the second most in the country’s history, behind Messi.
While skeptics may question his relative inexperience compared to Martino, Mascherano remains confident in his ability to guide Inter Miami to continued success.
“Of course, people in the world have opinions, and it’s a valid opinion, of course,” Mascherano said. “But I am convinced that I am capable of coaching this team. »
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