Tata Martino explains Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup loss

Inter Miami were defeated by Tigres UANL at the end of the group stage of Leagues Cup 2024. After the game, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino spoke to the press at NRG Stadium; there, he analysed the match, emphasising that his team are still able to grow against strong opponents.

Martino remarked, “Beyond qualifying, we competed well. We managed to draw level and had two chances to score a second goal, but Nahuel Guzmán prevented us. I think we deserved more than what we got, and we feel confident that we can compete against top-level teams.”

Martino says the game ‘felt like an away match’

Reflecting on the atmosphere in Texas, he added, “It felt like an away match due to Monterrey’s proximity to Houston, and the players showed a lot of guts, playing very well at times.”

“If I am not mistaken”, he continued, “Tigres were almost at full strength today. We were missing four players, yet we still competed well against a strong side who are candidates. Teams that are contenders in the Mexican league are also contenders in the Leagues Cup, which made this match significant for us, even if it didn’t affect our future much.”

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Tata also praised Tigres, saying, “Our team has been solid, conceding two goals from the edge of the box due to individual brilliance rather than structured play. Brunetta’s goal was extraordinary. We must also acknowledge that Tigres have the best goalkeeper in the league.”

“Inter Miami has undergone significant changes in the squad from last year. We are still waiting for players returning from the Olympics, including Leo (Messi) and Luis (Suárez). We have been competing well in the MLS, and this match was a good measure to see where we stand. Often, you string together victories, but facing a team with Tigres’ potential shows you your true standing”, he concluded.