Javier Mascherano has started like a house on fire since being appointed the new Inter Miami manager and one Herons star may have revealed why.
The Argentine has begun his tenure impressively, helping the team to an unbeaten pre-season so far.
Orlando City await Mascherano and co in the final pre-season game before the Herons turn their attention to New York City FC in the MLS opener.
Mascherano’s arrival will hopefully prove pivotal in tempting Lionel Messi to sign a new contract, but his impact on the field has been as beneficial to the team as his player relationships according to Benjamin Cremaschi.
Cremaschi reveals Mascherano coaching style
Despite this being Mascherano’s first club coaching role, he’s taken to it with ease.
The Argentine has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the team and has made some big signings ahead of the new season.
Mascherano has signed Telasco Segovia, Tadeo Allende, Maxi Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan and Fafa Picault to name a few.
Inter Miami are also closing in on a deal for Argentine youngster Mateo Silvetti, somebody that Mascherano knows well from his youth coaching days.
While Mascherano has been working hard off the field he’s also been embedding his style on the team in training according to Cremaschi. He told GOAL: “[Mascherano] is very possession-based, he wants us to have the ball. He doesn’t want to be chasing the ball around.
“This year’s training sessions are a little more intense, we need to be in great shape to compete. And MLS is a very physical league.”
Cremaschi looking to build on MLS chances
Last season was somewhat of a breakout for versatile midfielder Cremaschi who played 22 games in the MLS regular season averaging 55 minutes per game.
The 19-year-old chipped in with four goals and one assist and his efforts did not go unnoticed by new US manager Mauricio Pochettino who recently gave him a call-up, Drake Callender was also included.
While Cremaschi will be looking to build on last season’s minutes there is never a guarantee of this under a new manager, especially considering midfield reinforcements have been added.