Guillermo Hoyos has stated that his long-standing friendship with Lionel Messi won’t prevent him from pushing the Argentine superstar hard during training, as he was officially introduced as the new coach of MLS club Inter Miami on Wednesday.
Hoyos, who previously served as Miami’s sporting director, takes over from Javier Mascherano, who stepped down from the role for “personal reasons” just a mere four months after leading the team to its first MLS Cup title.
The 62-year-old coach was a pivotal figure in Messi’s early development while he was part of Barcelona’s youth setup over two decades ago, and their bond has endured throughout the years.
“Our friendship is something I hold in high regard. We’ve shared many years of camaraderie,” Hoyos remarked in Spanish during his inaugural press conference.
“That said, our friendship doesn’t mean I’ll be hovering around him or in his face daily.“
Initially, the club announced that Hoyos would lead the team for the “upcoming matches,” but they have since updated their social media to refer to him as the head coach.
According to club sources speaking to AFP, Hoyos is expected to be in charge only until mid-year, with a new coaching team anticipated before the start of the Leagues Cup in August.
After seven rounds this season, Inter Miami currently holds third place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Messi, who clinched the 2022 World Cup and has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, remains the standout star of Miami’s roster.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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