While the focus will be on Inter Miami and Lionel Messi coming to town, Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin has faith that his side will be ready for the challenge and won't let the occasion get to them.
The two Eastern Conferences teams meet in an intriguing battle in the 2023 Leagues Cup semi-finals, and Messi will be expected to deliver again for his new club - but he'll have to get past Curtin's well-drilled side that has been tough to beat, especially at Subaru Park.
Curtin has nothing but respect for the Barcelona legend, and is excited for him to make the trip to Chester, Pennslyvania. But Curtin won't exactly wish Messi good luck once the game kicks off.
"It's perfect for the league," Curtin said. "And the way that Messi has lived up [to the hype] and actually almost done even more is what superstars do, right? [Michael] Jordan, Messi, whoever it is, these are guys that have pressure on them every second of every day and they still produce every time. So it's going to be an honor to play [Miami]."
"But once the whistle blows, our guys are going to give it their best. And I know we won't be scared. We'll be brave. And in this building, I'll just say, anything can happen at Subaru Park. We've been pretty d*** good over the last 50 games."
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As Miami has added players like Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in the summer transfer window, their side has blossomed into a team that likes to keep hold of the ball for as long as possible - something that was a staple in Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's successful Atlanta United sides.
Curtin knows that as well, and it almost fits right into how he wants his team to play: soaking up just enough pressure and baiting the opposition into creeping further up the pitch and playing a high line, just before his speedy attackers race forward on the counter-attack.
"We're going to obviously try to limit their chances as best we can, but we have to be ruthless on the counter attack against a Miami team that, I'll just tell you right now, is going to have more of the ball than we will," Curtin stated. "I can guarantee you that. I don't care whether we're home or away. That's just going to be how it is, and we're okay with that."
Not only does the way Miami like to dictate the game on their terms play right into the Union's philosophy and set-up, the Herons' inconsistent and at times leaky defense could be ripe for the taking. Philadelphia have enough quality up front with Mikael Uhre, Julian Carranza, and Daniel Gazdag to make some noise when in attack.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Jim Curtin claims Philadelphia will 'be brave' in Leagues Cup battle with Inter Miami.
