Simone Inzaghi outlined what Inter still ‘need to work on’ and improve after neutralising Manchester City in the Champions League. ‘I would’ve preferred to ruin a different record.’
The Nerazzurri leave the Etihad with an odd mix of regret and pride, as they had the chances to take the lead with Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but also ran a few risks with two late Ilkay Gundogan headers.
Ultimately, the 0-0 draw away to the reigning Premier League holders has to go down as a very positive result, especially in this new format of the Champions League where away results and goal difference could be decisive.
“The lads did really well, we knew the quality of our opponents, but we worked well and could’ve hurt them more in some situations,” Inzaghi told Amazon Prime Video Italia and Sky Sport Italia.
“We suffered a little more in the second half, but those Darmian and Mkhitaryan chances could’ve gone in. I congratulated the lads, now we move forward.”
Inzaghi frustrated by Inter wasted opportunities
The coach joined the fans in hurling insults at Darmian when he was clear on goal and opted for the back-heel flick rather than a shot.
“It happened in Serie A too, in the final third we need to show skill and technique, which we do have in the squad. This is the first time we haven’t scored this season and it is something we need to work on.
“Against these sides like Manchester City and Real Madrid, you always seem like you might be able to score a goal, but then they manage to rescue it.
“Taremi did well to pass it to Carlos Augusto and Ederson made a good save. As for Darmian, he said that he heard Barella call for the pass, their defender did well to intercept, otherwise it would’ve been clear on goal.”
Manchester City are famously strong on home turf, but failed to score at the Etihad in the Champions League for the first time since Sporting CP in March 2022.
“I would’ve preferred to ruin another record, because they are unbeaten here in the Champions League since 2018,” smiled Inzaghi.
Lautaro Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were initially on the bench ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina against Milan, a big risk from Inzaghi that could’ve backfired.
“All my players train well and deserve to play, then a coach has to make decisions and I try to focus on what is best for Inter. Unfortunately, I cannot use more than 15 in a single game.”
Milan are struggling badly under new coach Paulo Fonseca and were hammered 3-1 in the Champions League by Liverpool last night.
“It will be a derby, we all know what that means for the club and our fans. They never stopped singing tonight in Manchester. We will stay here overnight, fly back tomorrow and try to prepare the match in just a few days.”