Javier Mascherano (foto: Screenshot)
Javier Mascherano laments Inter Miami’s lack of squad depth, highlighting the need for reinforcements ahead of the new season, as the team addresses defensive vulnerabilities.
Javier Mascherano has kicked off preseason training with Inter Miami, preparing his team for the upcoming season, which includes a series of friendly matches starting next week against Club América of Mexico.
However, during a press conference, the Argentine coach raised concerns about the limited squad depth, pointing to departures in the last transfer window and insufficient reinforcements as the main issues.
"We hope new signings arrive because we’re very short-handed at the moment. Six players have left, and for a first match, we’ll need not just eleven starters but depth to rotate, which is my biggest concern right now," Mascherano said.
Inter Miami has struggled with significant losses, especially in defense, prompting the club to actively seek reinforcements. So far, the arrivals of forwards Fafa Picault (from Vancouver Whitecaps) and Tadeo Allende (from Celta de Vigo) have been confirmed.
The team is also close to signing Gonzalo Luján, a defender from San Lorenzo, and remains on the hunt for more central defenders to bolster their backline, currently relying only on Héctor David Martínez and Tomás Avilés in those positions.
Mascherano also addressed rumors about a potential signing of Neymar, dismissing them due to financial constraints. "We have nothing with Neymar. Obviously, he’s a fantastic player, and every coach in the world would want him, but given MLS rules and financial limits, it’s impossible to have him right now," he clarified.