FFollowing the departure of Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami has officially introduced Argentine Guillermo Hoyos, who previously served as the club’s sporting director, as their new head coach.
Ahead of this new challenge, the new Garzas manager spoke to the press and discussed how his relationship with team captain Lionel Messi will be affected going forward as the club embarks on this new chapter.
Hoyos talks about his relationship with Messi
With more than 20 years of experience as a soccer player, Hoyos has built a solid career off the field as a coach and athletic director.
Moreover, his strong commitment to developing young talents led him to Barcelona, where he met Lionel Messi, who was taking his first steps at the club.
In his first public statement, Hoyos emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity in competitive projects. He also said that coaching Messi is a “huge blessing” and that caution will be key.
“Friendship is not something that can be negotiable. There are friendships that we have shared for many years, and there are also friendships with many players because we have been active in different countries. That friendship does not mean that we can look out for him every day,” he revealed.
“We have to respect everything, including privacy and what we have. We have to be very careful and above all move forward quietly, trying to grow and develop this approach, because all this is new. It is special to be with the greatest players of all time on the field. I am very grateful,” he added.
This connection, which Leo himself has acknowledged in the past and even described Hoyos as one of the ‘fathers of football’, could be key to not only bringing stability to the dressing room but also facilitating the team’s transition into this new phase.
Alberto Marrero will take over the role of sporting director vacated by Hoyos.
The team currently has a record of three wins, three draws, and one loss in seven games in the MLS season. Now, Inter Miami will play against the Colorado Rapids this Saturday, the 18th at 4:30 pm (Eastern time), which will be the first game with Hoyos at the helm.
