Inter Miami agree deal with Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez as new head coach

Inter Miami have reached an agreement with Argentine coach Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez to take charge of the team, with Guillermo Hoyos set to leave his position once the new manager and his staff arrive.

Gonzalez, 52, will formally begin work after securing the necessary employment permits, the Major League Soccer club said in a statement on its official website.

“Gonzalez will officially begin his duties once he has received the necessary work permits,” Inter Miami said.

Until those documents are approved and Gonzalez arrives with his coaching staff, Hoyos will continue to lead the team on an interim basis.

“Guillermo Hoyos will continue to lead the team on an interim basis until the arrival of the new head coach and his coaching staff,” the club added.

Inter Miami also paid tribute to Hoyos, thanking him for his commitment and full dedication during his time in temporary charge.

“Inter Miami would like to especially recognise Hoyos and thank him for his commitment and complete dedication to the club, demonstrated by his willingness to take on this role during this period, which began last April,” the club said.

The announcement comes after Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat by Toronto FC in their latest MLS match. That result extended their winless run to five consecutive games.

Gonzalez replaces Hoyos as Inter Miami seek to change their recent form and move forward under a new permanent coach. The club has not yet confirmed when the Argentine will take charge of his first match, with Hoyos remaining responsible for the team until the required work permits are obtained and the incoming coaching team arrives.

Before moving into coaching, Gonzalez had a playing career which included spells with Rosario Central, Inter, Valencia and Real Zaragoza.

He also represented Argentina 56 times between 1995 and 2005. Gonzalez was a team-mate of Lionel Messi during the early part of Messi’s playing career.

Inter Miami’s statement did not provide further details about the length of Gonzalez’s agreement, but confirmed the club had reached a deal for him to become the team’s new coach.