Nashville SC boss Gary Smith has faith in his side as they prepare for a tough challenge when facing Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.
The Eastern Conference team may have played like the away side in their 2-0 triumph over Concacaf giants Monterrey, but Smith and his players won't care. Their approach to games has worked well so far, so why try something different when the Boys in Gold are on the verge of lifting silverware?
Monterrey were the favorites against Nashville, and Miami look like they might stroll into GEODIS Park as favorites. It wouldn't come as a surprise given their talented and re-energized squad with Messi leading the way, but don't count out Nashville just yet.
"... We were lucky enough to watch a good portion of the [Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union] game before ours really got underway in the pregame. It's absolutely astounding, amazing, I think we've run out of adjectives to describe what's gone on in Miami," Smith said.
"They're playing such good football, they're scoring goals, they look a side that's unrecognizable from a month ago. I've never in all my time in football seen a transformation of a team that we're currently seeing," the former Colorado Rapids boss said.
While Smith clearly has plenty of respect for the Herons, he was quick to note that his team won't be starstruck or caught in the moment - something that looked to have plagued Philadelphia Union against Miami.
"I do believe that in a Cup final, and at home, we'll be prepared," said Smith. "They'll certainly be no fear in the way that we play. And we'll try and give ourselves the very best opportunity to do what nobody else has done at the moment, which is beat Miami."
Club captain Dax McCarty chimed in to explain that while it's a huge moment for the club reaching the Leagues Cup final and sealing qualification for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, there is still work to be done.
"It's a big moment for our club. We've made the playoffs every year in our existence. We've been close and we haven't quite been able to get over that hurdle for one reason or another. I think part of the reason why you put together such an experienced team is to be competitive right away. And we've been competitive right away, but we haven't quite been able to get over that final hurdle," McCarty said.
"So now tonight is a night where we take all those experiences that we've had the last four years and we put it to the test against, again, one of the best that we've played since I've been here. So, to be able to come through this tournament beating, beating Club America, beating a good Minnesota team handily and then obviously beating Monterrey, we should be full of confidence.
"I can tell you right now, there's no one in that locker room right now that's afraid or scared of the moment and scared to play this Miami team."
The two sides will meet to decide the champions of the competition on August 19 at 9:00 PM EST at GEODIS Park.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Gary Smith believes Nashville SC will 'be ready' for Leagues Cup final vs Inter Miami.
