Inter Neves head coach Phil Neville feels the pressure as the team sits in 13th place on the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference table, with eight points from 11 games.
The English coach led the South Florida club to two victories this season before suffering five defeats in a row.
After a two-week break, the team is finally back in action on Saturday ahead of the terrifying New York Red Bulls. Neville must inspire a victory to qualify for the playoffs in a couple of weeks, which creates urgency in his team.
“The team knows what is expected and what we need to do,” Neville told the media on Thursday. “We are about to lose excuses. We have to win football games.
Defender Kieran Gibbs and goalkeeper Nick Marsman are officially eligible after the team acquired the players during the Major League Soccer’s second transfer window.
As preferred starters Ryan Shawcross and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez were faced with suspensions and Nico Figal suffered time off due to injury, Gibbs could become Neville’s first-time defender for Saturday’s match. The former Arsenal player and England international could provide stability to an otherwise disorganized gang.
“He is a senior England international, he has extensive experience at the top level,” said Neville. “In this football club, he can pass on to the other players how to become a professional. In all teams, offices and environments, you need leaders. I think Kieran can be a leader. He knows what it takes to succeed. I expect fantastic stuff from Kieran. ”
. @KieranGibbs spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls. pic.twitter.com/snd6ON8b25
– Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2021
The veteran defender spent 10 years with Arsenal before presenting for West Brom and eventually finding his way at Inter Miami. He recorded 180 matches in the Premier League, while he played ten matches with the English national team. Despite his experience, Gibbs admitted that he does not take anything for granted.
“I have to earn my place on the team,” Gibbs said. “Just because I came from the UK does not mean I should come here and play right away. That’s never the way I have been. You have to show the boss you deserve to play.”
