Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said that leading former Barcelona teammates will play to his “advantage.”
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Reuniting with Barcelona teammates an “advantage”, says Mascherano
Mascherano will reunite with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi for the first time since 2018.
The five players previously played together for the LaLiga giants.
While much has changed since then, the Argentine coach believes their strong relationship will contribute to Inter Miami’s success.
“We must remember that it is not that we’re making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge,” Mascherano told ESPN. “I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things.
“I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now.”
How Mascherano accepted the coaching job
The 40-year-old only took charge of Argentina U23 side from 2022 to 2024.
Mascherano, hired to replace Tata Martino, accepted the coaching role after receiving a phone call from co-owner Jorge Mas just days into the search.
“Above all it was very fast and very intense because I received a message from Jorge where he wanted to talk to me, we went to a five-minute talk where he intended to have a meeting, then the next day we had a meeting via Zoom and the next day we were already reaching an agreement or reaching an agreement so that I am the new coach,” he said.
Immediately after being hired, Mascherano wasted no time reaching out to Messi.
“I had a talk with Leo to get his opinion. I am lucky to have a very fluid relationship with him and that allows me to be sincere and be able to talk to him in depth and for him to be honest with me about what he thought.
“He is a person who does not usually get involved too much. Obviously, we know the influence and importance that Leo has, and has had throughout his career in all teams and clubs. I am very happy to be here and look forward to starting training.”
