​Mascherano: "Credit for the Title Belongs to the Players; I Only Provided Some Help"

December 7 – After leading Inter Miami to victory in the MLS Cup Playoffs, head coach Javier Mascherano spoke to the media in a post-match interview, sharing his thoughts on the achievement.

What do you believe were the key factors in the team winning the title?  
Mascherano: "I am filled with pride. I am immensely proud of this team, of every single player, and of the entire club. Over the past 11 months, starting from preseason, all of us have been united and working hard together. So, this trophy is the result of the collective effort and dedication of everyone at the club."

You previously mentioned that it meant a lot to you to send off your former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba with a brilliant match. And you accomplished just that. What does this game mean for the two of them?  
Mascherano: "In my opinion, they fully deserve this kind of farewell, ending their careers in such a beautiful way. They have won every possible trophy at different clubs before choosing to come to Inter Miami. They changed the team's overall mentality – not only did Messi have a huge impact, but the entire club underwent positive changes because of them. So, if I may say so, this farewell is extremely special for them and entirely deserved."

In your first year as Inter Miami's head coach, you have already lifted your first trophy. What special significance does this hold for you?  
Mascherano: "I believe our primary task was to convince the players that we were capable of achieving our goals. I am well aware that, ultimately, football belongs to the players; the coach's role is merely to assist and guide them. But it is the players themselves who create miracles and make history on the pitch."

Source: MLS Official Website