Luis Suárez on Campeones Cup Final vs. Cruz Azul | OneFootball

Cruz Azul hasn’t even made it to Miami yet thanks to flight logistics, but Inter Miami is already talking about Wednesday’s Campeones Cup final at NU Stadium.

La Máquina was supposed to fly to Miami Monday night. Instead, a flight issue has left the Mexican side stranded in Mexico City, waiting for its trip to Florida to finally happen.

Meanwhile, Luis Suárez was already at the podium, addressing whether Inter Miami actually sees the Campeones Cup as a serious trophy or just another glorified friendly.

According to Suárez, there is no question about it: Inter Miami wants the championship. And he had a few things to say about the inevitable social-media outrage that comes with it.

So, basically, win or lose, the internet has already prepared the verdict.

Suárez gives Cruz Azul its flowers… and then points out the cracks

Suárez also made it clear that Inter Miami knows Cruz Azul well. The Uruguayan praised La Máquina as one of the biggest contenders in Mexican soccer in recent years, while making sure to point out that the team isn’t exactly flawless.

“In recent years, they’ve been fighting for finals against América, Toluca and Rayados. They have very good players, like Erik Lira and Gonzalo Piovi. They’re players who make a difference, but Cruz Azul has weaknesses that we have to take advantage of.”

The message was simple: respect Cruz Azul, but don’t be intimidated by them.

“We have to have passion and commitment when we compete.”

Suárez was also asked about Kily González taking over as Inter Miami’s head coach, with the Argentine set to make his debut from the bench against Cruz Azul. According to Suárez, González has already identified some things that need to change.

“He emphasized some things that we have to correct from now on. The results haven’t gone our way lately, but we’re grateful to Guillermo Hoyos.”

The veteran striker also praised the growth of MLS and explained why facing a top Mexican club is actually a motivating factor for Inter Miami.

“Since I came here, MLS has grown a lot. Better players come every day, younger players who are at a good level, not like before. It’s very competitive. Last year we left a good impression at the Club World Cup. Facing high-level Mexican teams motivates us a lot.”

Suárez added that González has already held a tactical meeting with the squad ahead of the final.

“He’s a very young coach who wants to contribute a lot. We’ve already spoken with him and had a tactical meeting thinking about tomorrow’s opponent. He explained his way of playing, his approach and the details he wants from us.”

Kily González is ready for the chaos

For his part, Kily González held his first press conference as Inter Miami’s head coach and admitted that his arrival had been anything but straightforward.

“It was a few days filled with a lot of anxiety. Everything had been finalized for almost two weeks, but because of things that didn’t depend on the club or me, I couldn’t be here. This opportunity, which is unique and something I dreamed about, finally became a reality. We spoke with the people at the club, they asked me if I wanted to be here tomorrow, and I said yes.”

So, after nearly two weeks of waiting, González gets to make his Inter Miami debut in… a final. No pressure.

The Argentine also discussed his arrival at the club after managing three teams in Argentina and highlighted his relationship with Lionel Messi.

“My relationship with Leo is fantastic. That makes this even more special. Being able to be with him and share moments with the players on this roster makes me feel complete. This is great, but we have to work, and God willing, tomorrow we can win the championship.”

González also pushed back against the idea that MLS is simply a retirement league for aging stars.

“This club, because of what it represents, has the best player in the world and the best facilities. Football is difficult everywhere. This isn’t a league where you come to retire. There are players with World Cup experience.”

And finally, González insisted that the incredibly short turnaround before his debut won’t be an excuse.

“We have to defend better, be more compact and be more offensive as well. We have to overcome the opponent. Adjust some details, but this is unprecedented, taking over a team in a final. I’m convinced we’re going to win, and the players see it that way.”

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