Mascherano Acknowledges Challenge Against PSG in the Club World Cup
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has stated that his team will need to execute a near-perfect game to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. The coach admitted that the MLS team starts as the “weaker team” in this match. The PSG arrives at the Club World Cup after winning its first UEFA Champions League title, after defeating Inter Milan with a resounding 5-0 in the final.Mascherano emphasized the importance of his team offering their best performance and competing against a rival with great hierarchy, highlighting that even the strongest teams can be vulnerable. Inter Miami qualified for the knockout phase after obtaining two draws and a victory against FC Porto, securing second place in Group A. Now, the team faces one of its biggest challenges to date, with no margin for error.“It’s clear and we are not naive, we know we are the weakest team at the moment of the match, that’s clear, but that doesn’t mean they can kill us beforehand. We are going to fight, that’s what it’s about,” Mascherano said on Saturday.
Javier Mascherano
Redondo also highlighted PSG’s skills, which attacks both inside and outside, and has unbalanced players. Despite the challenges presented by PSG, Mascherano trusts in the tools that Inter Miami possesses, especially in Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad, to compete at the highest level.“We know we are facing the best team at the moment, so we must play an almost perfect game,” commented midfielder Federico Redondo.
Federico Redondo
Mascherano also highlighted Messi’s influence, both on and off the field, and his ability to guide younger players. Messi, who played two seasons at PSG before joining Inter Miami, could have an added focus when facing his former team for the first time.“There are obvious differences in the hierarchy. But we have done everything well, and I repeat it. The most important thing is that tomorrow is not over yet, and I will not hesitate to analyze what the team has done today. I want to believe that we still have the opportunity to continue participating in this competition, and I think we have to focus our energies on tomorrow’s match,” he added.
Javier Mascherano
The winner of Sunday’s match will face the winner of the match between Bayern Munich and Flamengo.“The reality is that everything that revolves around Leo clearly generates a lot of exposure,” said Mascherano. “The most important thing is that Leo is well, Leo plays for us, that’s what makes us feel more comfortable.”
Javier Mascherano
