As the dust settles on his appointment as Inter Miami's new manager, Javier Mascherano's return to a familiar environment is filled with both excitement and challenges.

Having reunited with his former Barcelona teammates — Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets — Mascherano's early days in charge have shown promise.

But can this reunion lead to the success that the club's fans and management expect?

First Impressions: Calm, Collected, and Ready

Mascherano made his first impression as Inter Miami's manager at the Miami Convention Center during MLS Media Day. It only took him 10 minutes to set the tone: relaxed, poised, and in full control. The media room, which had been buzzing with Spanish chatter, quieted as Mascherano confidently answered questions in both English and Spanish. His demeanor was calm, not allowing any talk of Neymar's potential signing to disrupt his focus, and he was quick to dismiss any notions that he might struggle in his new role.

We all know Mascherano's history on the field — 147 appearances for Argentina and 224 for Barcelona — where his calm and reliable nature earned him respect. Now, as a coach, he's bringing that same level-headed approach to the managerial side of things.

The Power of Friendships: On and Off the Field

While Mascherano is reunited with Messi, Suarez, and others, he has made it clear that the friendships they share off the field won't affect their on-field decisions. In fact, he's all business. “Our relationship remains the same outside the club,” he explained, maintaining that these long-standing bonds won't influence his coaching.

That said, there's no denying the bond between these players. Suarez, for instance, voiced his respect for Mascherano, acknowledging the shift from teammate to coach. "It's a bit strange, but we respect him," Suarez shared, reinforcing that the team is ready to follow Mascherano's lead.

Mascherano's Coaching Credentials: A Work in Progress

While Mascherano's playing career was filled with trophies, his managerial experience is still in its early stages. His time managing Argentina's youth teams wasn't without challenges. Despite his strict discipline and tactical philosophy, his youth teams failed to deliver standout results. Now, in MLS, he faces a new set of challenges, balancing his admiration for Pep Guardiola's tactical approach with a preference for Luis Enrique's high-pressing style.

In his debut, Mascherano will need to adapt quickly to the fast-paced, competitive nature of MLS. The league has not always been kind to foreign managers, particularly those with no prior connection to it. Mascherano is ready to prove himself, but the pressure will certainly be on.

Managing Expectations: Miami's Goals for the Future

Inter Miami's co-owner, Jorge Mas, has raised the bar by setting high expectations for the team. The club aims to play an attacking style of football, pressuring opponents and scoring goals. Miami's recent first-round playoff loss has only added to the pressure, but the players, including Suarez, are determined to learn from their past mistakes. “We have to improve a lot,” Suarez admitted, acknowledging the challenge ahead.

Despite the high expectations, the reality of achieving all of these goals in Mascherano's first season remains a tall order. However, early results, such as a hard-fought victory over Club America, suggest that there's potential for success. Although the team's performance in terms of possession was far from stellar, they showed strong defensive discipline and a willingness to fight for every point.

Looking Ahead: Reinforcements and the Future of Miami

The season ahead promises more changes. While Neymar's rumored arrival hasn't materialized, Mascherano remains hopeful about new signings to bolster the squad. Whether or not these signings come to fruition, the manager can rely on his seasoned teammates to guide the team toward their shared goals.

While it's still early days for Mascherano as manager, his calm approach, strong relationships with the players, and a clear vision for the future show potential for success. If he can continue to navigate the pressures of MLS and harness the talents of his veteran squad, Inter Miami might just deliver on the lofty expectations set for them.