Tata Martino has issued a message to David Ruiz after the Inter Miami youngster was sent off against CF Monterrey last night.
The 20-year-old midfielder was dismissed in the 66th minute after receiving two yellow cards within a five-minute sequence, with Inter Miami going on to lose 2-1 despite being 1-0 up.
Ruiz’s sending off changed the nature of the game completely and was arguably the key event that shifted momentum into Monterrey’s favor, who now head into next week’s second leg with a crucial lead.
Tata Martino sends message to David Ruiz after sending off vs Monterrey
Yet speaking to the Miami Herald after the match, Martino was relaxed on Ruiz’s dismissal, with the Inter Miami manager choosing to sympathize with the midfielder despite how impactful his sending off was.
Indeed, the 20-year-old has been thrusted into the deep end with Inter Miami in recent weeks, and Martino’s comments show that the Argentine coach is willing to give Ruiz the benefit of the doubt.
The Inter Miami boss said: “Everything is a learning experience, and David is a very young player. He is a very enthusiastic player who wants to keep learning.
“Because of circumstances he found himself starting in a game of this importance. While he was on the field I thought he played well, and the expulsion was also a learning experience. These mistakes you make in your youth can serve you for the rest of your career.”
David Ruiz will return better than ever for Inter Miami
Ruiz is one of a number of exciting young players on Inter Miami’s books, and given the awkward circumstances of last night’s game, the midfielder can be forgiven for his sending off.
Yet what’s important now is how the Honduran international responds to his dismissal against Monterrey, with Ruiz a player with the potential to become a real star for Inter Miami.
As Martino himself put it, the red card will be a learning experience for Ruiz, and the moment will make the 20-year-old a better player heading into his next few games with Inter Miami.