EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW SPANISH HEAD COACH OSCAR GARCIA JUNYENT ON PSG, INTER MIAMI, AND THE RISE OF MLS

By Alonso Contreras

As the Club World Cup reaches its climax, we sat down with a man who’s seen it all player, coach, and student of the game Oscar, to reflect on the tournament, the evolution of elite coaches like Luis Enrique, and the rapid growth of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Club World Cup: A New Format with Real Promise

Reflecting on the inaugural edition of this revamped tournament, Oscar was candid:

“Naturally, being a new competition, there’s room for improvement. But it was interesting—teams took it seriously. Brazilian clubs, in particular, surprised many.”

With most European leagues on break, the timing of the tournament gave fans a rare chance to enjoy competitive football in June and July. And with PSG in the final, the conversation naturally turned to favorites:

“Given PSG’s form, both now and before the Club World Cup, they’re clearly favorites. But in a single match, anything can happen. Don’t forget—they once lost to Botafogo.”

Luis Enrique: From Teammate to Top Coach

Oscar, who once shared a locker room with Luis Enrique, now sees him as one of the two best coaches in the world—alongside Pep Guardiola:

“He’s always been demanding—not just with himself but with everyone. He values order. As a coach, he’s evolved every year. I’d put him and Guardiola at the very top.”

He also noted similarities to Enrique’s 2015 Barcelona team, praising how the current PSG side mirrors that intensity and tactical clarity.

Inter Miami: The Surprise Package

Turning attention to Inter Miami, Oscar acknowledged they surpassed expectations.

“No one expected much, not even the players themselves. But reaching the Round of 16 is impressive. With Messi, Busquets, Alba, and Suárez—you can never count them out.”

Miami’s run ended against PSG, but not without a fight.

“They gave Paris more trouble than some of the so-called bigger teams. That says a lot.”

MLS: A League on the Rise

Oscar didn’t hide his admiration for the MLS—and its potential.

“Since MLS started gaining attention, it’s improved every year. The level of competition is high. It can now go head-to-head with Liga MX, which is one of the strongest.”

As someone who’s coached across continents, Oscar sees MLS as a compelling destination.

“It’s a league any coach would be interested in. I speak English and French, and I’ve had ex-players speak highly of the league’s professionalism. That’s rare to find everywhere.”

Tactical Identity: Barça with the Ball, Red Bull Without It

When asked about his coaching philosophy, Oscar was clear:

“I follow Barça’s footballing identity—possession, playing in the opponent’s half, pressing after losing the ball. I also integrate Red Bull’s intensity without the ball. Football must entertain.”

His adaptability is rooted in his experience, but certain values remain non-negotiable: control, aggression, and purpose.

MLS Parity & Criticism: A Misunderstood League

Oscar is intrigued by the MLS system, where a new champion often emerges:

“There’s a lot of parity. It’s rare to see blowouts. Nearly every match is close. And that makes the league exciting—any team can make the playoffs.”

So why, despite all this, does MLS still face criticism?

“Ignorance. Especially in Europe, they don’t see the league. It’s not widely broadcast. But MLS is as strong as Brazil or Mexico’s leagues. People just don’t know.”

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up, Oscar didn’t shy away from hinting at future ambitions:

“Of course I’d be interested in MLS. It’s competitive, growing, and professional. I’d love to be part of that.”

With his philosophy, language skills, and global coaching pedigree, a move to North America may not be far off.

Stay tuned, Oscar might just be the next major name to hit the MLS sidelines.