Former Liverpool and Inter coach Rafa Benitez previews Wednesday’s Champions League clash between the Reds and the Nerazzurri explaining why Jurgen Klopp’s side must not underestimate the Serie A champions.
Benitez spent six seasons at Liverpool winning four titles and during an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper, the Spanish tactician described his time at Anfield Road as “exceptional and unforgettable.”
He had a very different experience at Inter, where he was sacked after just six months despite winning two trophies. The Supercoppa Italiana and the Club World Cup.
With his two former clubs meeting in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday, who does Benitez think is the favourite to qualify for the quarter-finals?
“For the strength of the Premier League, I say Liverpool 51% and Inter 49%,” he said.
“It’s a more balanced game than what many think.
“Inter didn’t qualify for the Round of 16 by chance,” Benitez continued.
“They always know what to do and are good at making the most of the opponents’ shortcomings.
“Their 3-5-2 can create trouble to teams that are not accustomed to facing it. On the other hand, Liverpool play with an offensive and aggressive 4-3-3. They have intensity and I expect two exciting matches. The team that will be able to keep the ball possession for a longer time will prevail. Both have the technical abilities to make the opponents run.
“Inter have been consistent this season and if they continue like this, they have a big chance to win the Serie A title. They have already faced Lazio, Atalanta, Milan and Napoli in the first part of 2022. However, Serie A is a balanced league and Napoli and Milan also have an opportunity.
“Simone Inzaghi is a coach with clear ideas, it was not easy to replace Antonio Conte, who had won the title, but he has done a great job by finding the harmony of the group, obtaining excellent results.”
Momo Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mané will be Liverpool’s most significant threats for Inter. Who are the other players that Inter should fear?
“I’d be worried about them, but also Diogo Jota who always makes the right movements. However, Liverpool also have strong full-backs and are dangerous on set pieces with Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip. They have strength and intensity in the middle of the park with Fabinho. They are not an easy team to stop.”
How about Jurgen Klopp?
“He is an excellent coach and I am on good terms with him,” said Benitez.
“We faced each other in the Champions League when I was at Napoli and he was at Borussia Dortmund.
“We won 2-1 at the San Paolo, but we lost 3-1 in Germany. We were eliminated despite collecting 12 points in the group stage and because of Zuniga’s late goal against the Germans. Who knows what would have happened had we won 2-0.”
@FI, Benitez didn’t win European Supercup with Inter, we lost to Atletico Madrid.. He won Supercoppa Italiana and Club World Cup
Barella (and maybe Bastoni) is a huge loss. He’d be perfect to get the better of the Liverpool midfield, which is probably their weakest area.
The front 3 and the full-backs are the big danger. Liverpool favourites to go through, but hopefully Inter do it.