Julian Gressel couldn’t help but smile when asked about facing his former club. The veteran midfielder, now with Minnesota United, has circled this weekend’s matchup against Inter Miami CF on his calendar.
“Yeah, that motivates me,” Gressel said with a grin during his first media session as a Loon. “That’ll be a special game.”
He may be new to Minnesota, but the upcoming clash against his old team carries a personal edge. Inter Miami visits Allianz Field on Saturday (4:30 pm ET | Apple TV – MLS Season Pass), just days after Gressel’s exit from the club. While the Loons aim to ambush one of the league’s highest-profile squads, Gressel is eager to prove a point.
From Key Contributor to Odd Man Out
Gressel’s quick exit from Miami came as a surprise. He started 31 matches and finished third on the team in assists during Inter Miami’s 2024 Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign. But everything changed with the offseason arrival of new head coach Javier Mascherano.
Despite his experience, versatility, and pinpoint crossing ability, Gressel didn’t log a single competitive minute under Mascherano. His role vanished overnight.
“Coaches make decisions for different reasons,” Gressel said. “He probably did his homework watching games last year, where obviously I played a lot. But yeah, he basically told me that he doesn’t think I’m going to fit his system.”
That decision left Gressel in search of a fresh start. “I’m grown up enough to respect that and be OK with it,” he added. “Then it was about finding the best solution.”
Minnesota United quickly stepped in, offering Gressel a new home and a chance to play a major role once again.
A Chip on His Shoulder
Asked if the Miami situation gives him added fuel, Gressel didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, of course,” he said. “But I’ve been in this league long enough. I think I’ve had that chip on my shoulder throughout my whole career.”
The 30-year-old German-American has been one of MLS’s most consistent contributors since his 2017 debut. He won MLS Rookie of the Year that season and has two MLS Cup rings to his name. Now, with a new team and a familiar motivation, he’s looking to bring that success to Minnesota.
“I’m grateful to [Inter Miami] for the year I was there,” he said. “But now it’s about turning the page, starting a new chapter, and trying to take what I’ve learned to help this club.”
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s showdown brings added intrigue. While Gressel tries to help Minnesota climb the Western Conference standings, Inter Miami is juggling a heavy travel load—heading straight to California for a midweek game against the San Jose Earthquakes before returning home for Rivalry Week against Orlando.
That grueling schedule could give the Loons an opening. But for Gressel, the game means more than just three points.
He’s not out for revenge, but he is out to remind everyone—especially his former club—what he’s capable of.
“I’m trying to be a leader here,” he said. “To push this club forward and hopefully win some things.”
This Saturday, Gressel gets his first real chance to do just that.
