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News, Blog and GuidesAhead of the clash between Inter Miami and Nashville, head coach Gary Smith spoke about taking on Tata Martino’s side again.
Kieran Quailekquaile90Update: Aug 30th, 2023 10:31 EDT
MARK HUMPHREYEFE
Just over a week after the Leagues Cup final, in which Inter Miami beat Nashville SC on penalties, the two sides will go head-to-head once again.
On Wednesday, they will meet in the Eastern Conference, and ahead of the clash, Nashville head coach Gary Smith spoke about taking on Tata Martino’s side.
“We did a fabulous job against them in the final. There will be different dynamics and difficulties in Miami itself. But I do think the guys will have an awful lot of confidence from what was achieved in the final. Not just, of course, the result, but also the way the game was played out and, of course, in the end, how well we did to limit not just Lionel Messi, but the group in general, to chances,” Smith said in his pre-match press conference.
The English coach added: “Make no mistake, it will be a very difficult test in their own backyard. We will be ready for that. There will be some added incentive after the weekend. It’s really about clarifying, focusing and preparing our minds for Miami again”.
He also mentioned Inter’s “terrific win at the weekend”, in which “for the first time they rotated the team, so we expect that those guys who didn’t make it on Saturday will be back in the starting lineup”.
"I always think I can get a goal and I want to be on the score sheet helping the team win."Listen in on yesterday's press conference with Sam Surridge ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mOMjX7holp
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) August 29, 2023
Messi to start for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi will start for Inter Miami on Wednesday, as confirmed by head coach Tata Martino. For Nashville, Fafa Picault returns after serving a suspension and captain Walker Zimmerman is a doubt due to an injury.
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Lionel Messi (C) dribbles between Nashville SC midfielders Anibal Godoy (L) and Hany Mukhtar (R) during the second half of the 2023 Leagues Cup final between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF.MARK HUMPHREYEFE
