Inter Miami returns home for its first-ever match against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, July 25. Ahead of the match, head coach Phil Neville spoke about the growing unity between the players over the season.
“Over the past 18 days we’ve had moments where we’ve eaten together and spent time together. We spent eight hours in the dressing room on Saturday together. The spirit and togetherness seems as good now as before the season started,” said Neville.
Center back Ryan Shawcross has also seen the great chemistry between players in the last couple of weeks, stating that he believes it will translate to positive results.
“There are always good conversations, we've got a good leadership group with four captains and there is a lot of dialogue between the players and the captains, and the players and the coach. The best way to have a successful team is to have open dialogue and I believe we’ve had that the last couple of weeks,” said Shawcross.
Midfielder Victor Ulloa agreed with Shawcross, expressing that he has seen the team bonding more than ever recently.
“We are sharing common space, we’re eating together, we’re doing activities together. It’s bringing the team bonding that is really needed, especially with a lot of different guys in a new group and you want to build some strong bonds off the field that will translate onto the field. These last few weeks we’ve been more united as a group, we've been more together, we’re doing things off the field, staying around after training and getting to know each other on a personal level. It’s going to help us in the long run,” said Ulloa.
Ultimately, Neville wants the team's togetherness to be displayed on the field during this week's home stretch.
“Now it’s about concentrating on home games and bringing a smile to our supporters' faces. Those are the people we are going to fight for and that is what I am demanding,” said Neville.