Inter defender Matteo Darmian believes Romelu Lukaku’s absence is ‘not an excuse’ for Inter’s poor results and insists the Nerazzurri ‘must respect’ Barcelona tomorrow.
The Nerazzurri will be looking to bounce back after two consecutive defeats in Serie A against Udinese and Roma.
Simone Inzaghi is under pressure following four defeats in eight league games and tomorrow the Nerazzurri host Barcelona at the Stadio Meazza in a crucial Champions League group stage game.
“We know that it’s going to be a tough and important game,” Darmian said at a press conference.
“We need determination and attention. They have quality players but also do we. It’s a good opportunity for us, we must respect Barcelona.
“We are Inter and we give our all to win every game. It’s a tough moment so everyone must do more,” the defender continued.
“We are aware we must take responsibility and give something more. Errors are normal, but now we must react.”
What does he make of Inter’s issues? Does he think that Inter have been presumptuous sometimes?
“No, I don’t think so. On the contrary, we all want to end this situation as soon as possible. We must read the games well and bring the game on our side.
“We must do what we know without being dragged by emotions, we must be more focused throughout the 90 minutes.”
Romelu Lukaku has already missed six games due to a muscle injury and is not expected to be back in the next two matches against Barcelona and Sassuolo next Saturday.
“Romelu is important, but we have strong players in attack and his absence is no excuse,” noted Darmian.
“We are waiting for him, and he is trying to return as soon as possible. He will help us once he’s back, but in the meantime, we must be able to replace him and it should be no problem because we have strong strikers.”
Inter and Barcelona won against Viktoria Plzen but lost against Bayern Munich so they have both three points after two games in Group C. Next week they meet again at the Nou Camp in Barcelona.