While Javier Mascherano has started his Inter Miami coaching career with a perfect unbeaten pre-season, it seems fans still have some concerns.
The Herons will go into the new MLS season full of confidence having bedded in some new faces and getting minutes under the belts of their superstars.
Lionel Messi has garnered his usual attention during the pre-season tour, and while Luis Suarez has had some important impacts in the warm-up games it appears Herons fans expect more.
Suarez under pressure from fans
There was no doubt that Herons fans were over the moon when Suarez put pen to paper on a new Inter Miami deal.
The Uruguayan was the team’s joint top-scorer last season with 20 MLS goals, but Herculez Gomez’s concerns over Suarez’s age and fitness ahead of the new season appear to be echoed by some Inter Miami fans.
Despite Suarez scoring one goal and adding four assists in the team’s five preseason games, it appears the former Barcelona star has set himself a high bar with fans demanding more.
One fan said: “Fafa Picault should be starting ahead of Suraz,” while another noted: “need to see more from Suarez.”
Another took aim at both Mascherano and Suarez stating: “Javier Mascherano & Luis Suarez are to blame. Terrible football man. We are in the trenches this season.”
Surprisingly Lionel Messi was also in the firing line with one fan saying: “We score as soon as Messi and Suarez come off LOL.”
It’s clear to see that the Herons fans want to see more from Suarez as the MLS season opener closes in.
Suarez faces competition
Last season saw Inter Miami rely on the goalscoring efforts of Suarez with their attacking options rather limited.
The departure of Leo Campana indicated that Suarez would once again be crucial in the Herons MLS chances this campaign but in recent weeks the side has added numerous potential challengers.
Tadeo Allende has joined Inter Miami from Celta Vigo, the attacker has already scored for his new club during the pre-season.
Fafa Picault, although not a striker will certainly provide competition for places up top and the Herons are also said to be chasing Argetine striker Mateo Silvetti.
It’s safe to say that Suarez has to bring his best performances this season to keep his place in Mascherano’s starting side.