Julian Gressel has shared how Inter Miami managed to secure a big 2-1 win last night against the Philadelphia Union without Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez.
Despite being down 1-0 and having two players sent off, Inter Miami again did the incredible and bagged all three points from the most unlikely of situations, with Leo Afonso scoring a stoppage tine winner for the Herons.
With Messi and Suarez away at the Copa America, the result was made that even more incredible given how reliant Inter Miami have been on the two this season in their surge to the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings.
And Gressel has now shared how Inter Miami managed to get the job done against Philadelphia.
Gressel says options from the bench helped in Inter Miami win
Speaking to the Miami Herald, the USA international noted how options from the bench were key in Inter Miami securing all three points against the Union with Messi or Suarez.
With Gressel himself scoring his first Inter Miami goal on the night, the versatile midfielder played a key role in his own right in getting the Herons across the line against Philadelphia, with this result big for the Florida franchise.
Gressel said when asked about Inter Miami’s big win on the road without Messi or Suarez: “It feels great to come away with a win in the end; it was very important for the whole group. It gives us a lot of confidence.
“Guys coming in, making a difference off the bench. Going down to 10 men, then nine men, taking our chances when we get them. It’s a good sign. Again, we conceded an early goal, but it didn’t derail us.”
Inter Miami are proving they can win without Messi or Suarez
Inter Miami were always going to find it hard without their two key attackers this summer in Messi and Suarez, yet last night’s win was a testament to what is possible when the duo are absent.
The Herons have one of the deepest squads in MLS and are favorites for the championship because of this factor, with Gressel just one of many outstanding players Inter Miami have away from the superstar bracket.
And last night’s win is a big step in the right direction in Inter Miami not becoming overreliant on Messi and Suarez, who could be gone for as many as six matches this summer.