There had to be a Blaugrana connection, no matter who was next lined up as Inter Miami’s coach. But it was never going to be Xavi, whose mere candidacy got under the skin of Jordi Alba.
Instead, Javier Mascherano is poised to take on the head coach role for Inter Miami, and final long-term contract details are being hammered out as we speak.
The search for a new head coach for Inter Miami began swiftly on November 16, following Tata Martino’s exit. Despite having a talented roster of Barcelona alums led by Messi, the team bowed out in the first round of the MLS playoffs.
Co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehi were quick to commence their search for a suitable replacement. Mas highlighted the situation’s urgency, recalling, “Our coaching search started at 11:01” after learning of Martino’s decision.
The criteria for selecting Inter Miami’s next boss appeared straightforward for Beckham and co: someone Messi approves of, speaks Spanish, has a Blaugrana connection, and can manage superstar egos even in the twilight of their professional careers.
Enter U-20 Argentina coach Javier Mascherano, who was linked with Inter Miami five years ago as a player. Now he’ll possibly suit up in, well, a suit.
A risk worth taking or Messi’s comfort zone?
Mascherano and Messi are former teammates and close friends from Barcelona and Argentina. Together, they won two Champions League titles and five La Liga trophies. Mascherano also excelled at stints at Liverpool and West Ham. Most recently, he coached the Argentina U-23 team to a quarterfinal finish at the Paris Olympic Games. He has no other management experience, which is apparently not a factor in Inter Miami’s decision-making.
“Experience in MLS would be good, but I don’t think it’s the principal criteria. I think it’s more about how you manage the roster with unlimited potential,” Mas told reporters on Friday.
“I spoke to Leo on Saturday after he and Tata spoke. I asked him what is important to you and what is important to get the best of our roster. How do we improve? Leo shared with me his thoughts, not dissimilar to what I explained.
“Without a doubt a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer and coach. We went out and spearheaded that. Leo gave me what I asked him, which is input. But that was his involvement and engagement with me.”
Can Mascherano improve the defense and regain tactical consistency? Sure, but he’s not necessarily a more capable coach than Martino, the former Barca, Argentina, El Tri, and MLS Coach of the Year at Atlanta. Martino led the Herons to winning the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield. Phil Neville, who Martino replaced, coached England’s women’s team and had assistant roles with Valencia and Manchester United before taking on the Inter role.
In other words, Mascherano is a gamble, just as Lebron’s buddy JJ Redick is the Lakers’ boss. Messi gets his guy, but at what expense?
