Inter director Beppe Marotta praises Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the Nerazzurri fans, admitting to ‘great regrets’ over the Champions League first leg result.
The second leg of this Round of 16 kicks off at Anfield at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“It was an odd game, we didn’t deserve to lose at all and yet we lost 2-0, so there are great regrets over the match at San Siro,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is an important test and part of the growth process, as many of our players are experiencing this atmosphere for the first time and it will help with their development going forward.
“I also hope the result of the first leg will teach them the importance of being clinical in your finishing, because football is more than beautiful football, you also need to score goals.
“It is our duty to try our best this evening, even if we know the odds are against us.”
Klopp praised Inter in the match programme notes and Marotta returned the favour, especially after Curtis Jones was picked to start.
“The pandemic was a difficult moment for everyone in football, but we look to the future with optimism and try to make the most of our resources, including one of the best youth academies in Italy.
“I remember that when Klopp arrived here they were in a difficult situation, but he slowly built the team brick by brick and I consider him to be one of the best coaches in the world.”
Inter President Steven Zhang was kept in China by travel restrictions, but is back in Italy with the squad and discussing a contract extension with Simone Inzaghi.
“Having the President by our side is important, as we have a team on the field and another off it. We are all together, with a great sense of belonging and the President’s vicinity is a real sign of that.
“I saw great enthusiasm from the fans today, they are enjoying this spotlight that they hadn’t experienced in a long time and it’s only right we repay them with a performance played to the final whistle with great intensity.”
When you have 0 shots on target then you deserve to lose.
Why are italian teams always reactive rather than proactive.must you suffer before you wake up and become serious.This just summerize italian teams always leave it late when they could have done it earlier.its a pity as this shows poor attitude and tactics in major tournament.
@Steve I don’t think that’s a tactical choice v Liverpool. In the first leg, they were pegged back by very hard pressing and skill from Liverpool. Tonight, Liverpool sat back a bit more and played more counterattack. 1-0 flatters Inter.