Tata Martino: “We expect an extremely difficult game against Nashville”

Inter Miami are seeking to continue their dream moment in the MLS and further consolidate their leadership of the Eastern Conference. As well as this, they have the title of Supporters Shield on their mind and in the return to MLS activity is firmly in the minds of both the players and the coaching staff as they look to reach the playoffs.

Prior to leaving for Nashville, Gerardo Martino sat down at a press conference where he touched on the topic of the current situation that Inter Miami are experiencing. The objective that has been set is to be a consistent team, highlighting the importance of each and every game in which the absences of key footballers such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez stand out.

Martino comments on ‘long season’ without Messi and Suárez

“Just as other times it was our turn to play and for other teams to look in from the outside, now it was our turn to see what happened last weekend. It seems to me that the season is long and I avoid these expressions of sadness or joy depending on the results because the remainder of the season has a lot of variables and for us what is important is to continue being consistent and create the best environment for the return of the footballers. We have only played 20 games and we aspire to continue as we are,” Martino explained.

As for this Saturday’s match against Nashville, a rival whom they have faced three times this season, two of them in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Martino reminded everyone that they are a tough side that cannot be underestimated: from Miami’s point of view, given the change of coach, it has given them a new challenge.

“They have a new coach, an interim coach, there are times when these situations of the departure of a coach free the footballers. They still have very important players, although they have absences, it will be an extremely difficult game,” he acknowledged.

Martino recognised that not having a player like Messi will always be noticed at Inter Miami, however, the Rosario coach did compliment the work they have carried out to try to minimise his absence and achieve positive results.

“I imagine that the absence of the best player in the world is noticeable in any team in which he participates. It was noticeable at Barcelona, it continued happening at PSG and it happens to us here. What we try to do is minimise the absences and move forward hoping that they return with the objectives achieved that were set, as well as make plans with your team and ensure that we are in the best possible conditions to welcome them back,” he added.