"You need a person who knows the league" - Ex-MLS coach offers himself for Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami vacant role amid Javier Mascherano links
Former Portland Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese has offered his services to Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The Herons are looking for a new manager following Tata Martino's departure.
The Argentine tactician left the job citing personal reasons after the Florida-based side crashed out of the MLS Cup Playoffs in the first round. Recent reports have suggested that Lionel Messi's former teammate Javier Mascherano is the frontrunner for the hot seat at the Chase Stadium.
However, speaking to Alfredo Di Cesare, Savarese insisted that he could be the right person for the job.
“I know MLS very well. It will depend on the idea of the club and the players. I feel that I have many things that meet the checklist to be able to be a coach for that team. There is a Latin base that would help by having a Latin coach or one who knows how to speak Spanish," said Savarese.
He continued:
“You need a person who knows the league well because I think they have to understand how it works in order to prepare a complete championship well like Tata Martino did, it has to be a coach who has known how to manage high-level players because it is not easy."
He concluded:
“They will push you to the top of your ability. I was lucky enough to train several high-level players such as Raul, Marcos Senna, Juan Arango. I feel that I can be a person with an interesting profile for the club. I see a chance of being a candidate to at least go through the interview process.”
Savarese has reached the MLS Cup final twice, and is highly regarded in the MLS circuit.
When does Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami expire?
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired. The Argentine enjoyed a decent first season with the Herons, helping them lift the first trophy of their history, the Leagues Cup.
This season, the 37-year-old missed a chunk of the campaign due to injuries and the Copa America. However, Lionel Messi still played a big role in the club's march to the Supporters' Shield.
The Argentine, however, failed to guide them to glory in their maiden MLS Cup playoffs. Messi registered 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games this season and his contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of 2025.
