There is white smoke within Inter Miami after the disappointing elimination from the 2024 MLS playoffs in the first round. European soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, citing several reports in the Argentine press, confirmed that after the departure of Gerardo Martino as head coach, the man chosen to take over is Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Lionel Messi and part of the Barcelona core that now plays for Las Garzas.
Martino made his resignation from the club official this week, after his management of the club failed surprisingly, as they failed to make good on their status as favorites to win the MLS Cup, after winning the Supporters’ Shield as the team that scored the most points during the regular season. However, they failed in their first-round playoff series against modest Atlanta United.
Since the elimination, names have begun to be considered for a possible replacement for Martino in the position: Xavi Hernandez, who comes from a project with ups and downs at Barcelona, but who won a LaLiga in 2022-23, as well as a brief spell in Arabian soccer with Al-Sadd, as well as Javier Mascherano, who has already begun his coaching career with the Argentina U20 national team.
The intention of the board led by Jorge Mas and David Beckham is to continue strengthening the backbone with veterans with a Blaugrana history, including Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. What better addition than a coach trained in the same playing philosophy implemented at the time by Pep Guardiola.
In addition, the appointment comes at an excellent time to prepare for the next season in MLS, which begins in February 2025.
Javier Mascherano’s record
The ‘Jefecito’ has a long and recognised career in Argentina and Europe, with clubs such as Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as with the Albiceleste. However, in his only experience on the bench he had a difficult time with Argentina’s Olympic team at Paris 2024 and with the U21 team, although he always had the backing of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Once the report is confirmed, this will be Mascherano‘s first experience with senior players, particularly with players considered world stars, so assertive management could increase his experience in group management, while he could get the best potential from the players at his disposal.
That is why it is very important that the ‘Jefecito‘ can have almost four months to design his work project for the new season and realize the project of winning the first MLS Cup in Inter’s history.