Pizarro Returns as Inter Miami Opens Training Camp | The Heron Outlet
The 2023 season is underway as Inter Miami took to the pitch for the first training session of the season. Rodolfo Pizarro, still under contract after a loan to Monterrey, returned to the squad.
source: The Heron Outlet
As Inter Miami opened training camp on Monday, a new, albeit familiar face was smiling along with the rest of the team.
Rodolfo Pizarro, dressed in bright pink boots, a long pink training top, and black shorts, was back for La Rosa y Negro one year removed from the last time he donned the club’s colors.
A return for “the Joker” from his loan at Liga MX side Monterrey brings up several questions for the construction of the roster.
As a Designated Player, Pizarro still holds one of the three coveted spots that come with the territory of not only being the highest paid players on the team, but also those with the highest expectations.
With Inter Miami still in talks with Alejandro Pozuelo, a DP from 2022, about re-signing, and rumors that the club is interested in former MLS MVP Josef Martinez, another possible DP, Pizarro’s back for the time being, but his long-term status is still unclear.
Robbie Robinson Returns
Pizarro wasn’t the only returner to Inter Miami’s first day of training. Former Number One overall pick Robbie Robinson was back after missing the second half of the 2022 season due to injury.
“It’s amazing to get back out there and I’m so excited,” Robinson said. “I’ve never been more excited in my career to play. I feel so grateful to be here and have a chance to do something special this year with this wonderful team.”
Robinson suffered a rupture of his right distal hamstring tendon in June and needed surgery to repair it, sidelining him for six months.
Robinson played in only eight games last season, starting in six, scoring and assisting only once a piece.
The injury bug has been a thorn in the side for the former Herman Award winner. In three seasons in South Florida, he has started just 26 games and played a little more the 2,200 total minutes.
“I’ve just kind of zoned in on everything. I can’t look back and say ‘I could’ve done this or I could’ve done that,’” he said.
As the pre-season progresses, Robinson says he will gradually look to increase his work load and return to form for the season opener on February 25.
In It to Win It
2023 will introduce a third competition for Inter Miami with the addition of the brand new Leagues Cup. The competition features all 27 MLS clubs and all 20 Liga MX clubs in a World Cup-style format.
The winner of the cup will earn a spot in the Concacaf Champions League, a coveted goal for Inter Miami.
Combined with spots for the winner of the US Open Cup, MLS Cup Champions, Supporters Shield Winners, or Conference Champions, the club sees this as an added opportunity to win a trophy and put Inter Miami into higher quality tournaments.