Touchline Talk
Inter Miami were unfortunate to fall 1-2 to Orlando City SC at the DRV PNK Stadium on Friday, June 25. Despite the result, the boys put in a spirited performance that had head coach Phil Neville praising the team’s performance throughout the match.
“I thought we were absolutely outstanding. I feel really proud of the team. I think when you talk about what you want to see from the team, this is exactly what I saw tonight,” said Neville.
This level of performance within the squad is now expected to be the status quo for Inter Miami, according to Neville.
“I think there’s a level of performance, a level of attitude now that’s non-negotiable. When we have that kind of attitude and we have that total commitment, you get the performance like we did tonight.”
“The players that are willing to run, the players that have the right attitude, players with energy, players that were hungry, players that would scream for us to spring back. That’s the level now that we’ve got to expect.”
One player that truly demonstrated what Neville now expects out of his players is Blaise Matuidi, who he made sure to praise for his stellar midfield performance.
“I did think that Blaise Matuidi was fantastic, I thought it was his best game in an Inter Miami shirt…I think he performed at a level tonight that showed why he is a World Cup winner.”
Neville especially praised Matuidi’s commitment and willingness to improve his performance level that culminated in a stellar night for the Frenchman.
“He’s been so honest, took so much accountability in terms of his performance level that needs to be better. I always felt that it would be better because he’s a top professional and he does things right every single minute of every day. Tonight I thought he and Victor [Ulloa] dominated the midfield.”
Matuidi believed that he had a point to prove, not only to himself, but to the team as well.
“I work hard in training, I am a player with experience so I knew I had to be better, so this night I wanted to prove that [for] the team and for myself,” said Matuidi
Ultimately, Neville believed that the atmosphere within the stadium elevated the players and he hopes that the supporters can be proud of the effort of each Inter Miami player.
“Night’s like tonight, there was something special in the air. It felt like a playoff game I’ve got to say. Every game feels like that here because [of] the atmosphere. I think if you were an Inter Miami supporter tonight, I think you can be massively proud of the effort that the boys put in. We just can’t wait to play the next game against Montreal,” concluded Neville.
