Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer explains why he needed this ‘challenge’ and hopes they can ‘get a few more records’ this season. ‘The best is yet to come.’
The Nerazzurri are on the verge of securing their 20th Serie A title and much of that is down to their extraordinary defensive record.
Eyebrows were raised when Sommer was chosen to replace Andre Onana following the sale to Manchester United, but he has proved very reliable even at the age of 35.
“I guess the most important thing is to do everything I can in order to help my body perform to its best, but I also still really enjoy playing football,” the Switzerland international told RSI Sport.
“Going for the win every three days, always aiming for the best possible result and trying to perfect my performances is the kind of challenge that I need.
“When you play all the time, travel around a lot, there is always tension and pressure. This inevitably will tire you out, but that’s true for all players, no matter their age.
“The key for me is completely switching off from the world of football when I get home. I need that time to think of other things so that I can be fully motivated the next day.”
Inter are 14 points clear at the top of the table and have lost only one Serie A match all season, against Sassuolo back in September. Was the goalkeeper surprised at just how dominant they have been?
“I wouldn’t say surprised, especially as this team reached the Champions League Final last season. I had already seen them play, you could sense the quality of the side and the talent of their coach Simone Inzaghi.
“I couldn’t wait to start this adventure, but without putting too much pressure on myself. I said to myself: ‘OK, you are arriving at a top Italian and European club, a very united squad that knows each other well.’ It is great for a goalkeeper to arrive and find the group already so close-knit and I’m really enjoying being at Inter.”
The only negative of the campaign has been the elimination from the Champions League Round of 16 to Atletico Madrid on a penalty shoot-out.
“Evidently, the primary objective is to win the Scudetto. We’ll try to get a few more records too, but nobody will do us any favours, so every game will be complicated.
“Nothing is decided yet, so we must keep pushing. The best is yet to come.”
Inter are on track to potentially set the new all-time Serie A points record of 103 in a single season.