Javier Mascherano, the Inter Miami coach, expressed his disappointment and offered no excuses after his team suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Orlando City. In a match where Inter Miami was clearly outplayed, Mascherano acknowledged the team's shortcomings and emphasized the need for a significant change in attitude.
The game started with an early goal from Orlando City's Luis Muriel in the 2nd minute, immediately putting Inter Miami on the back foot. Although Yannick Bright managed to level the score just three minutes later with his first professional goal, Orlando City quickly regained control. Muriel scored again in the second half, followed by goals from Ojeda and Pasalic, sealing a convincing victory for Orlando City.
"Today there are no excuses," Mascherano stated, reflecting on the game. "Football is about tactics, organization, talent, but you also know that in one-on-one situations, they were better... We didn’t have the intensity that the game needed." He emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of intensity throughout the game, which Inter Miami failed to do.
The absence of Lionel Messi due to injury undoubtedly affected the team, but Mascherano refused to attribute the loss solely to his absence. "As the leader of this group, it hurts to present the image we showed today. This has to be a turning-point match. When we take our foot off the gas, any team can beat us." Mascherano called for the match to serve as a wake-up call, urging the team to address their weaknesses and improve their performance.
Despite the loss, Inter Miami remains in contention in the Eastern Conference standings, currently sitting in sixth place with games in hand. The team is now focused on their upcoming match against the LA Galaxy, while Orlando City prepares to host Sporting Kansas City.
