Hakan Calhanoglu notes that Inter wanted to ‘show we are not scared’ to play toe-to-toe with Manchester City on their own turf in the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri emerged with a more than positive 0-0 draw at the Etihad in Matchday 1, although they have a mixture of regret at the missed Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan opportunities, plus relief that those two late Ilkay Gundogan headers didn’t go in.
“We played a good game against a strong team. We tried everything, had chances to score, a lot of chances, and both teams today showed all the people around some good football,” Calhanoglu told TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video Italia.
“We were solid and we are happy with the draw.”
Lautaro Martinez and Mkhitaryan were on the bench, while Federico Dimarco was out injured, but they were well-drilled particularly in midfield.
“In these games, you have to be fully concentrated for 90 minutes. We created chances, we could’ve scored and didn’t, but the same goes for them. I think one point is good for both teams.
“We enjoyed ourselves against a very strong team and could also have won, but with the right courage and spirit of sacrifice, we proved that we can contend against anyone.”
Calhanoglu enjoyed Manchester City challenge
Much like the 2023 Champions League Final in Istanbul, which was won 1-0 by City thanks to a lone Rodri goal, Inter proved they have no problem playing on the same level as Pep Guardiola’s multi-million pound juggernaut who dominated the Premier League in recent years.
“We wanted to show that we are not scared to play here. We play football the way they do, with sacrifice we showed that we can also play football,” explained Calhanoglu.
“We know that Manchester City never lose here at home and we took a point with us. We want to continue like this, proving who Inter are.”
Inter reached the Champions League Final in 2023 and won the Scudetto last season, so can they go all the way again in Europe this time around?
“We try, we’re taking it one step at a time and our first step was against one of the best teams in the world, so we are happy.”