Simone Inzaghi called Inter’s Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen tomorrow ‘a final’ as the team fight for a spot in the Round of 16.
The Nerazzurri currently sit second in Group C, five points behind leaders Bayern Munich and three points ahead of Barcelona. Inter did not start the season in top form but their recent back-to-back clashes with the Blaugrana, a win and a draw, fired the team up and helped them shake off their lethargy.
Speaking in a press conference, Inzaghi first spoke about the importance of an Inter win against Viktoria Plzen tomorrow.
“We know we have played four games in the best way, but tomorrow is a final. We are in the same condition as last year, with a more difficult group and the possibility of reaching the first goal of the season with a day to spare, knowing that in Munich it would be very difficult.”
He discussed the Nerazzurri’s need to improve their defensive solidity.
“Yes, for the defenders we have and the team we have, the non-possession phase last year was the second best defence in the league, we have to grow. When we talk about the defensive phase we are not just talking about defenders, but about the whole team.”
The Inter coach provided an update on star striker Romelu Lukaku and if he’ll be called up for tomorrow’s game.
“If he confirms yesterday’s training and the previous three, he will be called up. He’s working with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of desire, he’s still missing today’s training but he’s clearly on the upswing.
“He’s a very important player for us, he missed two months and it was a big loss. But the other forwards have always done well, although we know that in football you can always improve, we have always scored except against Bayern.”
He commented on the differences between defending at home and defending away.
“You have to work even harder, last year there wasn’t this difference. The goals conceded are different, the first on Sunday was a penalty kick, on the second we had to cover the pitch better, but it was a great goal by Ikoné.
“The third one we saw and saw again, we cannot concede it because it is a goal in the 90th minute at 3-2, a team like ours must not concede that.”
Inzaghi discussed Milan Skriniar’s contract situation and the importance of receiving the extra revenues from reaching the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
“As far as situations go, I’m lucky enough to have very good directors to do this, they are thinking about it. The thought doesn’t only go to Skriniar, we have other players in the same situation as Milan.
“I hope it will all be resolved quickly, with the understanding that Milan are clearly on the up.
“We have to continue, then hopefully as far as the contract is concerned, not only him but I’m also thinking about other players, as a coach I already know that my directors are good and are working to resolve it.”
He spoke about if he credits himself for Inter’s growth over the last year.
“Us coaches are always judged by results, in my head I have tomorrow’s game, to qualify would be something that if we look at the draw seemed very far away.
“Tomorrow we have this chance in front of our fans, we hope to give this satisfaction to them and also to ourselves. The last step is missing and that is where the strong team has to come out.”
Finally, Inzaghi suggested that he was calm regarding the Inter players heading off to the World Cup in Qatar.
“Serene, we have seven players going to the World Cup, tomorrow I think we recover Romelu, the other five I see every day and they think about Inter.”
Forza Inter