Monterrey possible starting XI against Inter Miami in CONCACAF Champions Cup

“We have better players than Inter Miami.” CF Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz did not hold back in his pre-game press conference when asked about the stars that the MLS side possess in their ranks ever since their takeover.

Today, CF Monterrey take on the team everyone is talking about the world over: the hype for the CONCACAF Champions Cup clash at Chase Stadium (KO 8pm ET/5pm PT) is building by the minute and the Liga MX side know that they have to perform at their best to get past the top side in the North American division.

‘If we go toe-to-toe, we have better players than them’

However, Monterrey are no pushovers. They sit second in their league with 8 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss making a total of 28 points and sealed their qualification to the tournament by winning the division last year. They also beat FC Cincinnati on the way to the quarter-finals, last year’s standout team in the US.

Ortiz was confident in the run-up to the game, saying “I do believe I have a better squad than Inter, but if we don’t make it prevail there’s no point. Inter has players with a lot of authority, but if we go toe-to-toe, we have better players than them. They are a quarter-final opponent.”

“With a special spice, whether or not they are the best in the world at all times, that’s the special flavour. My players know that, if we want to advance to the next round, they will be respected in Miami and Monterrey and as soon as the whistle blows. We are going to want to win,” he added at the pre-game press conference.

“I’m worried about Miami as a whole”, he added, “not about one man in particular. They are an interesting team that is at the same stage as us. They are players who have proven themselves at world level. I don’t think we are favourites, it will be a very even match. It will be determined in details. I agree with Héctor: whether Leo (Messi) plays or not will be decisive, but I trust and believe in my players”, he concluded.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final first leg between Inter Miami and Monterrey will be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday 3 April 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm ET/5pm PT. You can follow the action live on AS USA with Will Gittins.