Bruce Arena not letting New England Revolution take Inter Miami lightly
By Chris Smith
New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena has warned that Saturday's game away at Inter Miami will not be as easy as some might suspect.
The hosts have suffered a disastrous start to the 2022 MLS season, sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference with just a single point from five games. Of their three goals scored so far, two have been penalties, while Phil Neville's team have conceded 13 goals.
But New England haven't been in great shape themselves. Last season's Supporters' Shield winners have only won one MLS game so far and have just four points to their name, while they also crashed out of the Concacaf Champions League quarter-finals against Pumas.
Many are seeing this trip to Florida as the perfect chance for the Revs to get back on track. But Arena is being a little more cautious, aware of the hot conditions in Fort Lauderdale and Miami's need for points, too.
“Well, it's like any game in the league. It doesn't matter whether they are on a losing streak or a winning streak. All the games in the league are competitive," Arena said at his pre-match press conference.
"I think the game Saturday will be a little bit unique for so far this year with the temperatures around 80 degrees. We've been playing in snow and in elevation and all of that. So, this is a new challenge as well, but it's all part of playing in MLS. So, we'll have the challenge of not only the change in climate, but also a team that needs three points as well, so it should be a good game."
Star playmaker Carles Gil agreed, adding: “It’s a big moment for them. I’m sure the first minutes will be hard for us because, of course, they’ll try to get the three points. We’ll need to be focused in the game in every duel, every play, to try to have the first chances, also the first goal. I think it’s very important for us to try to score the first goal."
Gil also revealed Arena has prepared his team just as he would for any other match, further illustrating how little he is underestimating this weekend's opponent.
"It’s a similar week like any other one," the Spaniard said. "Of course, it’s a different team in Miami. They’re a team that had a different start to the season like us, so we know it will be difficult for them but it’ll also be difficult for us because they need a win. We’ll try to get three points and start to win games.”