Inter Miami’s Guillermo Hoyos expresses gratitude for the opportunity to coach Lionel Messi once more.
Newly appointed interim head coach of Inter Miami CF, Guillermo Hoyos, has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with Lionel Messi once more and defended his longstanding friendship with the Argentine forward, a relationship that began over two decades ago at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy.
During a press conference in 2005, Messi acknowledged Hoyos’ significant influence on his career, elaborating on their connection.
“He supported me greatly from the moment he joined Barcelona; he was always by my side. He provided guidance, taught me various things, and did everything he could to help me reach my current position in the first division,” Messi stated in 2005.
The duo will collaborate again on an interim basis as Hoyos takes over from Javier Mascherano as head coach.
Inter Miami officially announced that Hoyos would lead the team in the forthcoming matches, and the new coach emphasized his commitment to the club.
“I am here to serve the club, which means I find myself in a different situation today. Just a few days ago, I held a different position, and I am available for whatever the club requires. In this instance, we are on the front line, as we like to say,” Hoyos remarked during a press conference on Wednesday.
“Friendship is not something that can be bargained. There exists a friendship that has endured over many years, shared with numerous players due to our collaborations in various countries.
“However, that friendship does not imply that we can be constantly hovering over him every single day.
“I believe that all aspects must be respected: his privacy and everything else. One must exercise considerable caution and, above all, proceed discreetly while aiming to grow and adapt within this new dynamic; being alongside the greatest player in history is indeed an exceptional experience on the field. I am thankful, profoundly thankful.”
Mascherano officially announced his resignation on Tuesday afternoon, citing “personal reasons” for his decision.
A source informed ESPN that he conveyed his choice to Inter Miami over the weekend, following the 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls.
Hoyos later disclosed that a member of the front office had notified him about his new role as interim coach.
“It was communicated to me, in part, by the sporting director department, which includes several members, and one of them was the one who informed me,” he explained.
Inter Miami is set to return to the field on Saturday, traveling to face the Colorado Rapids at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.
