Heron Talk
Inter Miami suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Chicago Fire in its last match. This weekend, the team returns home for the first-ever full capacity match at DRV PNK Stadium when it takes on D.C. United.
For head coach Phil Neville, the match presents the opportunity to bounce back and play to the standards the Club sets for itself.
“It's been a week where we’ve done some good work with the players and we’ve worked hard in terms of a reaction to the Chicago game. We’ve spoken to them at length, and they spoke to us at length about what’s needed in this fútbol club. I think the conclusion, which is really important to say, is that in this fútbol club we have to demand the absolute highest standards every single week, every single day, and every single game,” said Neville.
“I think the inconsistencies at the moment are something that we are not happy with. I was under no illusions when I came to this fútbol club [as to] the expectations of what is required and at this moment in time we are not yet at the level that I think is required for where this fútbol club wants to go. We all have to take responsibility for that…Saturday gives us a real, real special occasion where we could put things right, where we could start building momentum.”
Defender Nicolás Figal echoed his manager’s sentiments, stating that the team must improve and will look to Saturday as an opportunity to do so.
“I think we haven’t had good games especially against Montréal and the last one against Chicago. We haven’t been solid in those matches, we haven’t played at a good level and of course we have things to improve. For this game, we know it’s an important match,” said Figal. “I’m coming back with a lot of hunger. When a player is out, he misses the game a lot and wants to be back and help the team. I am really excited to be back and hopefully give the fans something to cheer about because they deserve it.
“The team is very thirsty for a chance at redemption,” added Figal.
Scottish winger Lewis Morgan focused his attention on the team’s attitude, highlighting the importance of the fighting spirit within the squad.
“I think it’s important for us as a group to get together after the last game…Attitude, that's the one thing that’s non-negotiable in fútbol. I think going forward that's something we need to be sure is there, regardless of performance on the field, we need to make sure we are fighting as a unit. In the games that we’ve done that this season we have been successful,” said Morgan.
With D.C. United in his sights, Neville explained what he feels the team must improve upon as it seeks an improved result.
“Ultimately, three points are really important. I want to see us have more control in terms of our possession. I want to see the right attitude to fight for each other and not give in. I want us to concentrate on what we do and to try and control better in what we are doing…I want us to be ruthless and have one chance and stick it in the back of the net.”
