Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi addressed the media ahead of his team’s Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade. The Nerazzurri are looking for their first win in the competition after drawing with Manchester City in their opening match.
Reflecting on the start of the season, Inzaghi said, “I talked about it at the first team meeting. Winning is difficult, and winning again is even harder. The boys are working with great commitment, but we still lack the consistency we had last year. This year all teams have had difficulties. Everyone is in a moment where they are trying to improve. On Saturday the boys played a great game. Then we’re talking about the 2 goals conceded and we’ve analyzed them. As Stefan said, we must defend all together.”
Commenting on the new Champions League format, Inzaghi stated, “Now it’s everyone against everyone and with two more games. There are more difficulties and our schedule is not the easiest. This formula is more exciting, but you can’t make calculations.”
The Inter coach emphasized the importance of concentration, saying, “Concentration is a very important element. There are moments when the team needs to come together more. Inter must give continuity to performances, without conceding anything. If Udinese’s two goals hadn’t gone in, we would be talking about something else. At this moment we need to pay more attention.”
Regarding team selection, Inzaghi revealed, “As for the attackers, I still have to decide who will play. I understand rotation in one way: we need everyone and this year it’s even more difficult than the previous year. I base my decisions on what I see and every time I have to make choices. Red Star is a well-coached team with excellent players. Frattesi? I’m evaluating, we’ll see if he starts. Zielinski will play. I’m deciding the other two positions. Dumfries is an important player. The renewal? I’m happy and he will play tomorrow.”
When asked about the ongoing investigation into the club, Inzaghi remained tight-lipped, stating, “The club has said that there is an ongoing investigation, so they said not to comment on anything.”
Defender Stefan de Vrij also spoke at the press conference, saying, “We need to push and work. We need to improve. I think we need to find solutions to move the ball faster against teams that close well. Tomorrow will be a game where we can show that we have improved. Last year we conceded few goals and it’s not just the defenders’ merit, it’s thanks to the whole team. For us and for you, this Champions League is all new. Every game is very important and as we have always done, we look at one game at a time.”
