Inter Miami CF manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino defended the decision to rest Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets for the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday at BC Place.
"We trained yesterday. When we finished, I conferred with the coaching staff and talked with the players, and at that moment we decided that they would not form part of the team," Martino told reporters on Friday."We understand the people's frustration, especially in wanting to see these players, but it is our job as the coaching staff to make these decisions that are uncomfortable.
"We can't announce with 20 days' notice what our movements will be. We analyzed the situation on Thursday because we have three games in a week, but sometimes unfortunate things happen that don't allow for players to participate in a certain match.""While we haven't received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip.
Martino reiterated that not much more could be done from Inter Miami's perspective on this situation given the way Major League Soccer constructed the schedule, arguing that the responsibility falls on Vancouver to see to it that fans are appeased."In this case, immediately after Vancouver we have two home games," he said."In evaluating that, we felt it was prudent that the three don't participate in this game.
"It's difficult to make a decision like this and announce it with anticipation and that's why we get to the last-minute situations. In any case, though, I think it is the responsibility of the opponent to have a plan B, for if, for example, Leo doesn't travel, they have to respond to their public, it's not our responsibility. When we play as locals, and Leo sits out, we don't announce it 20 days before.
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