JAKARTA - Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano took full responsibility for his team's 5-3 defeat to Chicago Fire FC on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 WIB, at Chase Stadium. He apologized to the players at halftime for his tactical approach.
"Obviously, the mistake in that approach was mine. I apologize (to the players) for not being able to help them in the first half, which had nothing to do with (the players), but with an idea that one of us proposed and it didn't work," Mascherano said.
The Argentine coach reiterated that no player was at fault for the result. He only blamed himself for the defeat because the coaching staff planned a possession-dominated match against the Chicago Fire.
"Obviously, it was a match where I take full responsibility for our approach to everything that happened."
"We planned one match, and it ended up being a completely different match. At halftime, we decided to make changes."
"It's a shame, as I said to the players at halftime, not because of any particular player, but because of the approach."
"We envisioned a match where we could control the ball, control the game, and today I couldn't help them from that position. This defeat is entirely my responsibility," Mascherano added.
The result of the match drastically impacts Inter Miami's chances of winning the 2025 MLS Supporters' Shield for the second consecutive season.
They currently sit fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 56 points from 31 matches, seven points behind leaders Philadelphia Union.
However, Inter Miami has already secured a place in the 2025 MLS Playoffs. After winning the Supporters' Shield in 2024, Inter Miami lost in the first round of the playoffs to Atlanta United FC.
"We're trying to close out these matches as best as possible and finish as high as possible in the standings."
"After that, we'll try to compete for the championship. That's the reality. It's true, we've been inconsistent throughout the season, but I think we've also had a lot of good moments."
"I repeat, I'm first and foremost responsible, and I'm looking forward. I believe we're not better than anyone, but we're also not less than anyone."
"That's the reality. I believe we have more than enough arguments and assets to compete with any MLS rival," said Mascherano.
Inter Miami returns to action on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 8:00 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), with a home match against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.
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