FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — New Inter Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González said he feels blessed at being given the opportunity to lead the club and coach Lionel Messi, after formerly taking up the role on Tuesday.
González has now received the authorization to begin the job after being announced last month as the permanent replacement for interim coach Guillermo Hoyos on a contract through June 2028.
The job sees him reunite with Messi after the two shared the field for Argentina in two World Cup qualifiers in 2005.
“There are things in football that simply cannot be described in words; they are unique feelings. I feel privileged and blessed to have this opportunity and to share the fantastic relationship I have with Leo,” González said in a news conference.
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“I adore him, he knows it, and that makes this moment even more special. Being with him and sharing experiences with the incredible players on this squad. Honestly, as a coach, I feel completely fulfilled.
“Of course, this is all wonderful, but now we have to get to work. God willing, we’ll start off strong tomorrow and win the championship.”
González led his first training session with Inter Miami on Tuesday after landing in Miami from Argentina earlier in the morning. He will be on the sidelines for the team’s Campeones Cup match against Liga MX champions Cruz Azul on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium.
Inter Miami reached an agreement with González on Aug. 27, but the coach could not take over for Hoyos until receiving his work permit.
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“What were these past few days like? To be honest, they were filled with a lot of anticipation. It had been nearly two and a half weeks and I couldn’t be here, but this unique opportunity, something I hadn’t even dared to dream of, became a reality,” González said.
“We spoke with the club, and they offered me the chance to join the team; I said yes immediately. Being with the players, seeing their willingness to welcome my coaching staff, and watching them train the way they did today honestly, it made me very happy and gave me a huge boost of energy for tomorrow’s match.”
Inter Miami currently sits in second place on the Eastern Conference table with 45 points in 25 games. The team has recorded just one victory in its last nine games.
Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez said he wants to use the game against Cruz Azul to start strong under new leadership.
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“When it comes to playing a match like this, it’s a final. There is no time to dwell on the past, the only thing that matters is looking ahead to tomorrow,” Suárez said. “We’ve come through a challenging run of games, but now we face the best possible scenario: playing a final and moving forward with a new coach who brings great positive energy, a strong desire to grow and plenty of enthusiasm.
“That attitude is contagious, and we are ready to support him and his coaching staff.”
Inter Miami hosts Cruz Azul before returning to Major League Soccer regular season action on Sunday against San Diego.
