Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino expressed his frustration and disappointment with his team’s performance in their recent 4-1 loss against Eastern Conference rivals, the Chicago Fire.
The Herons traveled to the Windy City with the aim of securing three points to boost their chances of making the playoffs. However, they were outplayed and outmaneuvered by a well-organized and disciplined Chicago team that dominated the game in the second half.
Inter Miami were outshot 7 to 2 on target, despite having 63% of possession.
Late in the second half, the Herons still couldn’t pose any threat to Chicago’s defense. At that point, in the 66th minute, the game had already gone out of reach, with the team down 3-1.
The defeat has dealt a significant blow to Inter Miami’s playoff hopes, as they now find themselves trailing five points behind the ninth-placed team CF Montreal.
Martino had this to say when asked about Miami’s playoff chances after the game: “The possibility of making the playoffs remains for us, which is something that three months ago would have been impossible to think about…I also think the evaluation we do in the matches that remain is important to make the best decisions for next year.”
The team will need to regroup and put on a much-improved performance in their next game if they are to keep their slim hopes of making it to the postseason alive.
On to 2024 for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami’s whirlwind summer and subsequent Leagues Cup victory were incredible, but it’s clear that the arrival of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets covered up several roster issues that have plagued the team since its inception.
Ex-Inter Miami manager Phil Neville brought in the bulk of the club’s current roster, which may not fit well with the style Tata Martino is trying to implement.
To be taken seriously as contenders for the MLS Cup next year, the front office must address the parts of the roster that are lacking during the winter transfer window as the 2023 season winds down.