Javier Mascherano didn’t hold back in his post-match press conference after Inter Miami’s dramatic draw with Philadelphia Union. Speaking with emotion and urgency, the head coach delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s current state.
“I told them at halftime—we’re in a shitty situation. It’s shit. We’re in deep shit, and the only way to see the light is to give everything, to forget about the score,” Mascherano stated. He also took full responsibility: “The result is on me. It’s my responsibility. The players just need to play, because soccer is a game, and it has to be played.”
Mascherano explained that his message to the squad was to stop focusing on the scoreboard and start reclaiming the team’s identity. “We want to keep the ball, move it side to side, and play in the opponent’s half. That, to me, is the way to win games again and recover our rhythm,” he said.
On the left flank, Messi, and breaking the press
Mascherano praised the team’s performance on the left wing, where Inter Miami created several dangerous moments. “We had control of the match. We moved the ball well. We found spaces. And with Noah, we have a player who can play multiple roles—this kid is incredible,” he said. “We started with him as a left back, then pushed him to center back and Jordi high up as a winger when we needed to attack more. They have great chemistry. It’s important to give them confidence to keep growing.”
He also analyzed how the team tried to break Philadelphia’s high pressing line. “They press high with four attackers. The weak spot is just past their midfield line. Sometimes we broke it with Leo, sometimes with Jordi on the left. We targeted those channels because when they press too high, they leave big gaps,” Mascherano explained.
Controversial goal and a hopeful message
Mascherano didn’t hide his frustration with the officiating, especially over Philadelphia’s third goal. “It was clearly offside. I don’t know what VAR is doing—it’s obvious. Maybe we can’t see it on the tactical cam, but on the sideline camera, it’s clear,” he said.
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Video: Lionel Messi returns to goal with stunning free-kick for Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union in MLS
Despite the controversy and ongoing struggles, he ended with a hopeful tone:
“I think we showed heart and soul tonight. That’s the way forward. There’s still a lot to improve, but we gave everything to win.”
