Simone Inzaghi admitted it would be difficult for Inter to ‘repeat what we did’ in Europe ahead of their Champions League opener against Real Sociedad.
The Nerazzurri shined on the European stage last season, reaching the Champions League final in Istanbul. Inzaghi’s side were only a step away from lifting the trophy but fell in a tense 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
Inter have started the new season in strong fashion, maintaining the momentum built last term, and are hoping to put on a good show in the Champions League again this campaign, starting with their clash with Real Sociedad.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Inzaghi first discussed the recent praise from Pep Guardiola and what the turning point was for his Inter squad.
“Pep’s words are pleasing, we know how the final in Istanbul went, it was an honour to play. A moment could have changed the history of that match, but we kept the final embrace with the fans inside us, it seemed like we had won.
“It was a great journey, this year it starts again against a strong team, on a hot pitch. I wanted to avoid Real Sociedad and Newcastle from the fourth pot, but we will play it like last year, knowing that it will be difficult to repeat what we did, but that we want to try again.”
He spoke about Hakan Calhanoglu’s injury and the inclusion of Kristjan Asllani.
“It is an important absence, like others for example with Cuadrado. I have many players available, in that role we have Asllani who is an important player, much in demand but who we have decided to keep with us. We believe in him a lot.”
He underlined his confidence in Asllani.
“Absolutely yes, he is an important player who has played important games. He is ready, then tomorrow I will decide with my staff.”
The Inter coach spoke about how he moved the team forward following their 5-1 Derby della Madonnina win over Milan.
“We reviewed the match, saw the things we did well and those we could have done better, as in all matches.
“We know it was a great evening for all of us, but as often happens it’s the past. Now tomorrow’s match matters, It will be an intense match, a very difficult test for us.”
Inzaghi highlighted how Inter’s mentality has strengthened following their work last season.
“Without a doubt, the path we’ve had has helped us. We have had two important years in the Champions League, which this prestigious club where we work deserves. What the Champions League left us last year is something special.
“I embrace that I don’t easily forget the final with our fans, just like the evenings at San Siro, in the semi-final of the derby, with Porto, with Benfica.
“It was a wonderful ride, without forgetting that difficult group that we had to overcome. Now comes the difficult part, but the boys know that by all working together we can do excellent things.”
He gave his thoughts on Real Sociedad.
“They’re a very organized team, with a coach who has been there for many years, with many players who have remained. They’re an organized team, which we’ve seen in all these matches, last year they played with a different formation, with David Silva behind the two strikers.
“Now they’ve changed, we have a lot of respect for them. We have seen players of great quality, we know that we will have to play an important match, like a true Inter, because we are facing a very, very organized team.”
He was asked if it was time for Davide Frattesi and Benjamin Pavard.
“My players don’t know it yet, it wouldn’t seem correct to say it now. This morning they all trained well, I have a lineup in mind, there will be some changes, but to be fair it’s right that the first to know are the players.”
Finally, Inzaghi discussed his expectations for the clash with Real Sociedad and if he’d be happy with a draw.
“The result cannot be predicted, we know that it will be a difficult, intense match, because Real Sociedad are an intense team, with excellent players, good, strong, technical. We will have to be good at helping ourselves and defending together, then attacking as a team.”