Following a disappointing expansion campaign, Inter Miami has been rolling the changes this winter.
Chris Henderson came in as chief soccer officer following his hugely successful run in the Seattle Sounders' front office and Phil Neville was appointed head coach. While many key players remained, the club have made some further improvements to the playing squad but they aren't done with the roster build.
“In terms of the roster we definitely want to add two or three more players, that’s imperative for us to have a good season," Neville told media on a virtual press conference. "We’re working really hard, Chris Henderson is doing a really good job. ... I do expect there to be one, two or maybe three more additions, but we’ll have to see."
Miami have added Brazilian defensive midfielder Gregore, English center back Ryan Shawcross and others as they prepare for opening day.
One player the team is linked with is Sunderland U-23 striker Mitch Curry, per Roker Report and confirmed by the Miami Herald's Michelle Kaufman, who adds the plan would be for Curry to start with the club's USL affiliate Fort Lauderdale FC. There isn't a pressing need up top, with plenty of resources devoted to the attack, headlined by Gonzalo Higuain.
“In our forward line, we have some really exciting players," Neville said. "We have players who can be match winners.”
The new head coach specifically mentioned star Designated Player Rodolfo Pizarro as well.
“Rodolfo has got fantastic qualities, we need to get him the ball," Neville said. "Make him the central point of the team in terms of the influence he can have on the team. We have to provide a platform, a system, a methodology for him.”
Pizarro had a mixed 2020, with four goals and five assists in 19 matches. The numbers aren't terrible by any means, but Pizarro is an in-prime Mexican international, thus expectations were high. Pizarro will continue to be a mainstay in the attack, ditto for 2020 team MVP Lewis Morgan.
The Scottish winger signed a contract extension this week, committing his future to the club.
“In football, it’s important to try and repay clubs who show faith in you," Morgan said. "Inter Miami have done that for me, they gave me a massive opportunity. There’s always interest, but there's so much growth and improvement still to come in my game. I’m not finished here, I have so much to give.”
