‘Far from over’
Speid backs Cavalier fightback despite Messi threat
Published:Thursday | March 13, 2025 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
CAVALIER GO into their Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 second-leg the against Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami this evening at the National Stadium, starting at 7 o’clock, and coach of Cavalier, Rudolph Speid, insists the tie is far from over.
The highly respected tactician pointed out that knowing exactly what they have to do, makes things a little easier.
Although easy is relative and could become relatively harder if Lionel Messi, one of the greatest player to play the sport and considered the best of his era, plays Speid revealed his team has a plan.
“One thing we know, our job is very easy. Stop Inter Miami from score, and score two goals,” said Speid.
Speid’s reference comes on account of having lost the first leg in Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on March 6, 2-0.
Goals from Tadeo Allende in the 61st minute and Luis Suarez in the 83rd gave Inter the lead with Messi not in the matchday squad.
According to Speid, whatever the relative difficulty, he has tactics he can employ.
“We can set up the team a little bit different for that to happen and that is what we are going to do. I don’t know if it will work. But we have a plan,” he said.
“Trust me. This the is not over. We are not going there to lay down and die. We are going to play for the result we desire.”
Since Cavalier were paired against Inter Miami in the draw, the focus has been centred around Messi, and Speid thinks it disrespectful to the rest of the team that include other world renowned and former Barcelona stars such as Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquet.
“The team is Inter Miami. I think it is disrespectful for the other players, to say the team is not a team without Messi. I know he is regarded as a really good player, one of the greatest ever. But at the same time, we have a plan if he doesn’t play and we have a plan if he plays,” he commented.
Although many fans at the Stadium today will likely be there to get a glimpse of the little maestro, Speid does not mind.
‘WE HAVE A PLAN’
“I am happy that he will come. I am not the sort of coach that wants players not to play, to win a game. I want him to come. I want him to play. I want our players to do the best they can do against him. But the truth is, we have a plan if he plays and if he does not play.
“Fans just come out in any colour you want to wear. I believe in democracy. Just cheer for us. If you don’t want to cheer for us, because of people like Lionel Messi, that’s fine too. Buy your ticket and come out and full up the stadium and I’ll be happy,” he said.
The coach believes there is more pressure on Inter Miami to do well, given his team’s underdog status.
“My team does not play with a lot of pressure. Of course, we have everything to lose, like lose the tie. So we will not be approaching it like that. We are going to make sure we are resolute in defence just like we were (first leg) and try and get that first goal, and if we get that first goal. We put one objective at a time, but we will be in business.
“I think they (Miami) will play like they have played against all teams. Try score as much goals as they can. We know our choice is clear. We must score the first goal and keep them off the scoresheet.”
Meanwhile, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi will travel with the team to Jamaica to face the Jamaican champions
“Leo Messi is on the roster and will travel with the team to Jamaica,” Mascherano told the media yesterday.
“Tomorrow (today) we will decide for the game what is best, if he starts or waits on the bench and comes in later. Today (yesterday) he trained with the team, and the sensations were good. We’re happy he’ll travel with us to Jamaica,” he said.