'This loss is entirely my responsibility' - Javier Mascherano accepts blame for Inter Miami’s 5-3 loss to Chicago Fire

Mascherano pointed to the pregame preparations for Chicago, stressing the match turned out to be different than expected. 

“In this game the person responsible for the plan and everything that happened is me,” Mascherano admitted in his post-match press conference. “We prepared for one type of match, but it turned out to be something completely different. 

"At halftime we made changes that worked for stretches, but we clearly ran the risk of being exposed on the counter. It’s a shame, because as I told the players, it wasn’t about names but about our approach. We wanted to control possession, and this loss is entirely my responsibility.”

Inter Miami’s night got off to the worst possible start. By the 11th minute they were already trailing after Djé D’Avilla struck, and before the half-hour mark the scoreboard read 2-0. Although the Herons clawed their way back thanks to a Luis Suárez brace that brought the game level at 3-3, the defensive frailties that have haunted them all season once again came to the surface. Conceding five goals at home only reinforced that their back line remains their biggest weakness.

Miami have conceded 52 goals this season, which is 12th in the East. Last season, they conceded 49 goals in 34 matches. 

Mascherano broke down why Inter Miami’s bright start to the second half quickly faded. For him, it came down to fatigue and missed chances in front of goal.

“We were taking a lot of risks and created plenty of opportunities that we couldn’t finish,” he explained. “After we drew level, there was that rush of wanting to keep pushing higher up the pitch, hoping that in the last 20 minutes another chance would come. Then they went ahead 4-3 on a very fortunate play for them. 

"Fafa Picault was going to come on when we were down 3-2 to give us more options, but after we equalized we delayed the change. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold the 3-3, and once the fifth goal went in, it was the worst possible scenario."

Inter Miami hosts New England Revolution this Saturday at Chase Stadium.