Inter Miami Notebook: Higuain talks being the No. 10, Matuidi leaving on a free, and more
News, notes, and observations from Inter Miami's first day of 2022 preseason
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The new year may come with a change of position for Gonzalo Higuain.
Inter Miami began preseason preparations on Monday with a morning training session at the team’s practice facility, and plenty of eyeballs were on Higuain during the portion of the practice that was open to media.
The returning star attacker was the only Designated Player present on Day 1 as the South Florida side showcased its revamped squad, and he made a revealing comment about where on the field he might play in 2022 during his post-practice press conference.
“Our Plan A clearly did not work last year so this year we will work to have different looks and for me it is about trying to help the midfielders more in order to generate attacking sequences,” said Higuain in Spanish. “We currently do not have a No. 10 — last year it was Rodolfo (Pizarro) — so it could be taking on that function to generate more sequences and having fast forwards that can run in behind.”
Higuain, 34, occupied his usual position of striker more often than not last year, but there were occasions in which he was used less as a No. 9 and more as a 10. His most effective outing in that spot came late in the season in the second half of a 5-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati in which he dished out a pair of assists from deeper spots.
The talented Argentine, who finished 2021 as the team leader in goals and assists, may spend even more time in the playmaker role this season despite being the most lethal finisher on Inter Miami. Not only because he has the abilities to create chances for others, but because of his admitted physical limitations.
“Last year I had to run in behind, drop to pick up the ball, run in behind,” said Higuain. “My body is not what it used to be and the physical output is very big, so maybe this year it might be more to help the midfielders generate sequences and having the younger players run into the spaces in behind.”
Regardless of where he plays, what should help Higuain’s chances of making a bigger impact is his improved physical state. He has entered camp looking a bit trimmer, and that may translate into better performances.
“I feel different as opposed to last year. I feel better physically,” said Higuain. “I arrived to this preseason better than I did to the last one. My head is clear and I am with my family. I have a very good feeling that this will be a great year.”
Here are more Inter Miami notes from Day 1 of the 2022 preseason:
Matuidi and team mutually agreeing to part ways
Sporting director Chris Henderson may have stayed mostly tight-lipped about the status of Blaise Matuidi on Monday, but the central midfielder is headed for the exit door.
Matuidi is going to be the latest player to leave Inter Miami this winter, according to a report for the Sun from Miami Total Futbol Radio’s Steve Brenner. The 34-year-old Frenchman will leave via mutual accord, allowing him to sign with another team via a free transfer and — more importantly for Inter Miami — opening up a Designated Player slot.
“We are in discussions with him and his representatives,” said Henderson when asked of Matuidi, who was absent from Monday’s session. “We hope to have a statement soon.”
Matuidi has failed to make much of a significant impact during his season-and-a-half at Inter Miami. The World Cup winner has started in 41 of the 47 league games he has played in, scoring two goals while also dishing out a pair of assists.
Henderson targeting another attacking player
Inter Miami is not done filling out the roster just yet. Henderson said he thinks there are “a couple pieces left” to add, including a creative player that can help provide a boost to an anemic attack that scored just 36 goals in 2021.
“We want to bring in a player who is going to help us create more chances, get in scoring opportunities, create more goals,” said Henderson. “We needed to improve on that.”
Quick Kicks
Nicolas Figal was another player absent from Monday’s session, but Henderson confirmed that the centerback is in discussions with “a couple of teams” over a possible move.
Team captain Gregore and fellow Brazilian Jean Mota were also not at practice. The two midfielders are handling some paperwork, but are expected to join the group very soon.
Starting goalkeeper Nick Marsman was spotted during the open portion of the session, but he did mostly individual work off to the side as he continues to work his way back from the knee injury suffered late last year.
The South American duo of Leonardo Campana and Emerson Rodriguez was seen at practice, though official announcements of the two players have yet to be made.
Brek Shea, who also has not officially re-signed, was also seen training with the team.
Henderson all but ruled out a Matias Pellegrini return to South Florida this summer, stating that Inter Miami would look at what teams would want to bring in the attacker if Estudiantes does not buy him when his loan deal expires.
Bryce Duke looked lively during the small-sided game that media was able to see, moving the ball about well and even scoring a nice goal with a well-taken rip.
Fort Lauderdale CF players Harvey Neville, Romeo Beckham, and Noah Allen took part in Monday’s practice.