Javier Mascherano fits Inter Miami's 'friends with Lionel Messi' brief – but new manager's coaching experience suggests MLS glory is far from guaranteed
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Well, that was quick. It was widely reported last Tuesday that Inter Miami manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino would be leaving the club with immediate effect following his star-studded team's shock elimination from the MLS play-offs. But just three days – and one emotional press conference – later, it became clear that Lionel Messi's next head coach had been chosen, as owner Jorge Mas confirmed that he was was closing in on his preferred target.
“I can confirm that today we are close to finalising an agreement with a coach, and will announce a new coach for Inter Miami in the next few days,” Mas said at a news conference. That new coach is believed to be Javier Mascherano, Messi's former Argentina and Barcelona team-mate.
Needless to say, it is an eye-catching choice. Although he was immensely successful as a player, Mascherano's managerial CV is hardly glittering. He has shared the pitch with Miami superstars Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, and if success in South Beach hinges on keeping the team's most high-profile individuals happy, then his appointment may prove to be a shrewd one. But if Miami need more from a head coach than just an agreeable nature, then they perhaps should have looked elsewhere.
