28 June 2023 , 22:20
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Inter Miami have finally announced Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino as their new head coach to replace Phil Neville.
The former Barcelona and Argentina national team manager joins the MLS club ahead of Lionel Messi, whom Martino coached during both previous jobs, officially joining the team at some stage this summer. Long-time teammate Sergio Busquets, who also worked with his soon-to-be coach in the Catalan capital, is another signing for the South Florida franchise this summer.
Despite the announcement, Inter Miami is still awaiting documentation to allow Martino to start working in the United States again. The Argentine previously spent two seasons coaching Atlanta United in the country, winning MLS Cup during his second season in charge.
Martino will replace Phil Neville as head coach, who left in early June with Inter Miami sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference. The former Lionesses coach has since become an assistant coach of the Canada men's national team.
Sacking Neville was something team co-owner and president David Beckham described as one of the "toughest decisions" to make. After appointing Martino, he expressed confidence in the experienced coach.
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“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,” Beckham said. “We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.”
Managing owner Jorge Mas has also shared similar sentiments. “We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami," he said.
Martino and Messi will reunite for a third time in Miami (AP)"We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together. Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here.”
Martino himself is already saying all of the right things following the announcement. “I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things,” the incoming head coach said.
“The Club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone’s hard work and commitment we can get there.”
Hard work is what it will take to turn around the 2023 season. Inter Miami is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference after only winning five matches all season and failing to draw a single game. Their 13 losses are the highest total across the entire MLS.
They have scored just 17 goals in 18 matches. However, Messi should help remedy those offensive woes, especially with the additional on-ball presence of Busquets.
Also of concern is their defence. Inter Miami have conceded seven goals across the previous two matches before announcing Martino, taking their goals conceded tally to 28.