Hakan Calhanoglu was not concerned about Inter’s shock loss to Spezia, believing the squad have ‘this fire inside us’ ahead of their decisive Champions League match with Porto.
The Nerazzurri edged out a 1-0 win over the Portuguese outfit in their first leg meeting in San Siro this week, a slim but important advantage heading into the return leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League has both sporting and financial benefits for Inter, making their match with Porto one of the most important games of their season.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Calhanoglu first underlined Inter’s hunger to impress in their European encounter with Porto.
“We have to keep this concentration and this fire inside us. We want to go on in the Champions League and we know what awaits us.
“I have already played here once, I know the atmosphere we will find. But after Spezia, the team is very focused, we can’t wait to go on the pitch.”
He was asked where the Nerazzurri have gone wrong this season.
“I don’t want to talk about what’s wrong, the important thing is to be ready. What happened on Friday is now in the past, we have already analysed the mistakes and prepared well for the Champions League. I saw the team are very well, we want to progress.”
The Turkish midfielder touched on if Inter were in the same position as they were before their Champions League clashes with Barcelona in the first half of the season.
“In football these things happen, for better or for worse. We have to stay together and show our strength. We can get up now, we are fired up and we will definitely do very well.”
Finally, Calhanoglu was asked what will make the difference for Inter against Porto.
“Putting our hearts on the pitch, being united as we always have done in Champions League games. If we do that, I’m sure we’ll progress.”