Kily González targets end to Inter Miami’s five-game MLS winless run
Inter Miami return from the international break against D.C. United on Saturday night, with head coach Cristian “Kily” González calling on his side to end a five-game MLS winless run at Nu Stadium.
Inter Miami match board
| Item | Figure/date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Conference position | Third, 46 points from 27 matches | Miami have one defeat and four draws in their past five MLS games |
| Latest win | 2-0 vs Cruz Azul, Sept. 16 | Campeones Cup victory |
| Next fixtures | D.C. United Saturday; NYCFC Oct. 14 | Both games at Nu Stadium |
González said Argentina will feel Lionel Messi’s absence after the captain’s international retirement, but insisted Inter Miami must now make the most of having the 39-year-old at club level.
The Miami boss described Messi’s Argentina farewell as an emotional occasion and said his message to the forward was simple: take in the affection from Argentina and supporters across the world.
“He will be missed in that shirt,” González said. “But he is with us now and we have to enjoy him.”
González believes Messi will always carry Argentina with him, having built a defining legacy for his country. He said the forward’s attachment to the national-team jersey meant retirement would be difficult, but added that Miami are now the beneficiaries of Messi’s continued hunger.
“He is a natural competitor,” González said. “Even at 39, he is always looking for another challenge. That helps the players, the coaching staff and the whole club.”
The coach said Messi demands total commitment in daily work and pushes those around him to raise their standards. González added that the club has changed since Messi arrived and said he has seen the forward enjoying his football in Miami.
Miami target a reset
Miami enter the D.C. United match after four straight MLS draws, although they beat Cruz Azul 2-0 in the Campeones Cup on Sept. 16. González said the squad members returning from international duty had come back in good condition and that training had gone well.
He said the team must use the remaining regular-season matches to sharpen its form for the final stretch, with a return to winning ways the immediate priority.
González highlighted D.C. United’s threat on the break and said Miami must improve defensively against transitions. But he also wants his side to take control of the match rather than simply contain the opponent.
After Saturday’s contest, Inter Miami host New York City FC at Nu Stadium on Oct. 14.
