Former Inter right back Maicon weighed in on their Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid, the qualities of Simone Inzaghi’s system and the comparisons to the Treble winning squad.
The Nerazzurri are gearing up for a crucial Champions League Round of 16 second leg with Atletico, holding a slim 1-0 advantage after their first meeting in San Siro last month. They are hungry to complete their unfinished business in the competition after last season’s second-place finish.
In Serie A, Inter have looked almost flawless, only dropping points four times across their 28 league matches. In total, Inzaghi’s side have only been defeated twice since their loss to Manchester City in Istanbul last summer.
Speaking on page 12 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Maicon first discussed the qualities of Marcus Thuram at Inter.
“You can see that he is a positive person, and as a striker we have all discovered this, he takes the defenders where he wants, protects the ball, knows how to exchange and even sees the goal. It’s a surprise, but a cheerful and sunny character always helps to stay in a group.
“In the year of the Treble, as soon as the referee blew the whistle, we became warriors, but before and after we always managed to joke.”
He commented on the Nerazzurri’s upcoming clash with Atletico.
“No, not even a little because they’re tough. Really tough. Morata and Griezmann are unpredictable. Inter proved to be superior in the first leg, but they didn’t score the second goal they deserved, and now they have to play with a minimal advantage in a very hot environment.
“It’s the classic match that must be managed without anxiety, but Inzaghi has shown he can do it. If they pass, trust, which is already high, grows even more. And then who knows…”
The former right back was asked about the key to a successful season.
“It’s true that the team score a lot, but for me their greatest strength is in defence. They concede few goals, and they allow you to start the move. Acerbi, Bastoni, but also Pavard, defend in the Italian style, they stay on the man, but they are good with the ball.
“This Inter play so well also thanks to their work. A great defence for me was the key to 2010, this is perhaps the point in common between us and today’s team.”
Maicon was asked about other similarities with the Treble winning squad.
“We had Milito ahead of us to make the difference, thanks also to a team that set everything up behind him.
“Today there’s Lautaro who has different characteristics from Diego, but in front of goal he doesn’t forgive in the same way. We’re also waiting for him in Madrid, but what more can we ask of him considering what he’s doing?”
He commented on the battle between Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian on the right side of the pitch.
“Inzaghi also chooses based on the opponent. Apparently Darmian is more defensive than Dumfries, but he too made some nice assists and great crosses, he knows how to push even if he is careful behind.
“And it’s not true that Denzel isn’t good at coverage, he has great physical skills that help him. Let’s say that on the right we are covered, but also on the left the foot that Dimarco has is not bad!”
The former right back spoke about the work of Atletico’s Samuel Lino.
“I admit that I didn’t know Samuel Lino well. Then, seeing him at San Siro, he impressed me. If he aims at you, it’s likely that he will run away from you. The more he sticks to it, the better he is, but he needs attention. But, I repeat, Inzaghi knows how to manage better than me.
“He’s doing a great job, as is my friend Thiago Motta in Bologna, now the world has noticed him, I wish him one day to come to our Inter.”
Finally, Maicon discussed the secret behind Inter’s Treble victory in 2010.
“The secret was a strong group with a strong coach and a precise mission to accomplish. Everything, however, is always cheerful.”
Read more about Maicon
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Maicon: ‘Where Inter similar to Treble team