Mascherano apologizes to Miami for failed tactics

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano publicly accepted full responsibility for the team’s 5-3 loss to Chicago Fire FC at Chase Stadium. Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Mascherano apologized to his players at halftime specifically for the tactical approach he employed, which he admitted was flawed.

The Argentine coach made clear that no individual player was at fault for the defeat, emphasizing the failure was solely in the coaching strategy. He stated, “Clearly, the error in the approach was mine. I apologized [to the players] for not being able to help them in the first half, which had nothing to do with the [players], but with the idea that one of us had proposed and that didn’t work.”

Mascherano explained that the coaching staff had prepared for a possession-based style of play to control the game, but the match unfolded very differently. At halftime, adjustments were made, but the initial plan did not yield the desired results. He remarked, “We imagined a game where we could have possession, control of the game, and today I couldn’t help them from that position. This defeat is solely my responsibility.”

This defeat is a significant setback for Inter Miami’s ambitions to secure the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield for a second consecutive year. Currently, the team is positioned fourth in the Eastern Conference with 56 points from 31 games, trailing the leaders Philadelphia Union by seven points.

Mascherano’s candid acknowledgment reflects his accountability as head coach amidst mounting pressure after the team’s recent struggles.