Phil Neville: “This is why I took the job”

Heron Talk

By Inter Miami CF

April 16^th, 2021

Ahead of Inter Miami’s home opener as it enters its second MLS campaign on Sunday, April 18th, head coach Phil Neville reflected on his first preseason with the club and expressed excitement for competition to begin.

"Ultimately if you get into the role of the manager, even when you are a player, these are the best moments. This is why I took the job, this is why you get into football, for the big moments when you actually go out there and you are playing for the three points,” said Neville.

“You are playing to get up in the league, to start the season well, to test yourself against the best managers and best players. I think this week I sensed a different kind of mood around the facility… It was almost as if the dial just got dialed up a little bit. Everyone became more focused, everyone got a little bit more excited.”

Phil Neville: “This is why I took the job”

Neville also highlighted his expectations from Inter Miami’s Designated Player and star striker, Gonzalo Higuaín ahead of the matchup with the LA Galaxy at DRV PNK Stadium.

“He is a vital player for us. I’ve seen a player who is a real leader within this group. He is a real big influence within this group and I think he’s excited and I think I am excited to see how far and how well he can do this season.”

Neville stressed the importance of depth ahead of the match, citing the importance of effort from the team as a whole, and the potential impact substitutes can have in the match.

“There’s going to be strategic substitutions throughout the game from halftime, I am almost convinced. I think the team with the strongest bench, the team that makes the best substitutions probably will have a major effect on the game on Sunday...That is going to be a big management play from both me and Greg [Vanney] on Sunday.”

Fans can tune in to see Inter Miami take on the LA Galaxy in a matchup 13 months in the making this Sunday, April 18 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC or ESPN Deportes.

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