Heron Talk
Following the team’s first home win of the season, a 2-1 triumph over CF Montréal at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami is ready for its midweek matchup against Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 4.
Ahead of the match, head coach Phil Neville praised his squad’s attitude and commitment in the previous matches, establishing the benchmark for performance.
“There’s been a real buzz around the place and we’re going into the game against Orlando in really good shape in terms of the attitude and the commitment of the players. I think what we’ve spoken long and hard about now, in terms of the attitude, [and] in terms of the performance levels, now the benchmarks have been set and we know the levels that we are now capable of and have to maintain,” said Neville
With a well-deserved victory at home, Neville feels the team’s workrate and effort on the pitch has warranted the latest positive results.
“I’ve got to say the last few days have been a breath of fresh air in terms of the mood.
“The work that we’ve been putting in, we’re now beginning to see the rewards. And it took time, it was always going to take time.”
Defender Kelvin Leerdam also praised the team’s performances and mentality when faced with adversity, which has led to a stretch of positive results.
“For us, the reaction we showed shows the mentality of not giving up. We know that we were down and that we have to climb all the way up, but sometimes it’s nice when you have to earn it the hard way. So I think we're heading in the right direction,” said Leerdam.
Leerdam wants the team to carry over their momentum into Wednesdays’ game against Orlando City, as the squad looks to attain the three points from their local opponents.
“It would be massive for our confidence [to beat Orlando] and so we go out there and play our game, hopefully get three points and when you get three points everything gets a lot easier so that is what we are looking for.”
Neville concluded by emphasizing that the game is going to be a special one for both clubs and that this is a matchup that every player should want to partake in.
“This is one where we want the supporters to enjoy. It’s a local derby in that respect and I think the atmosphere in that stadium is going to be really, really, really electric on Wednesday night. And I said to the players today if you are a footballer these are the games you want to play in.
“Hopefully we can keep our cool, stay in the game, stay focused and make those one or two moments we get, decide the game in our favor,” concluded Neville.
Fans can follow the action on Wednesday, Aug. 4 by tuning in to My33, CW34, the UniMás App and the Inter Miami CF App.
