Liverpool are favourites but his men have the quality to match them, manager says
15 February 2022 - 18:24
byDhruv Munjal
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. Picture: REUTERS
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi hailed Liverpool as one of top sides in Europe but believes his team has the quality to match them in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.
Inter, European champions in 2010, are playing their first knockout tie in a decade after finishing second in their group behind Real Madrid.
“Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe, but our players deserve to play these kinds of games,” Inzaghi told reporters on Tuesday. “We haven’t played in the round of 16 for many years and though it will be very difficult, we’ll try to make it.
“On paper, Liverpool are the favourites, but games must be played. I’ll ask the players to go on the pitch and play our football with a free mind, showing our ideas. Determination will make the difference.”
Inzaghi singled out Liverpool’s counterattacking threat and praised the playmaking qualities of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Inter, second in the Serie A standings, have collected one point from their past two league games.
“I am not satisfied with the results, I didn’t expect them,” Inzaghi said. “But I think we played two great games against two great teams [AC Milan and Napoli] who, along with Juventus, will be title challengers.”
Edin Dzeko is expected to start upfront along with Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez.
“We’ve played many games recently. We have two training sessions left, one striker will be introduced as a sub. I’ll make a final decision today or tomorrow. I always try to rotate them,” Inzaghi said.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Inter Milan deserve last-16 spot, says Inzaghi
Liverpool are favourites but his men have the quality to match them, manager says
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi hailed Liverpool as one of top sides in Europe but believes his team has the quality to match them in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at the San Siro on Wednesday.
Inter, European champions in 2010, are playing their first knockout tie in a decade after finishing second in their group behind Real Madrid.
“Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe, but our players deserve to play these kinds of games,” Inzaghi told reporters on Tuesday. “We haven’t played in the round of 16 for many years and though it will be very difficult, we’ll try to make it.
“On paper, Liverpool are the favourites, but games must be played. I’ll ask the players to go on the pitch and play our football with a free mind, showing our ideas. Determination will make the difference.”
Inzaghi singled out Liverpool’s counterattacking threat and praised the playmaking qualities of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
Inter, second in the Serie A standings, have collected one point from their past two league games.
“I am not satisfied with the results, I didn’t expect them,” Inzaghi said. “But I think we played two great games against two great teams [AC Milan and Napoli] who, along with Juventus, will be title challengers.”
Edin Dzeko is expected to start upfront along with Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez.
“We’ve played many games recently. We have two training sessions left, one striker will be introduced as a sub. I’ll make a final decision today or tomorrow. I always try to rotate them,” Inzaghi said.
Reuters
Man United manager Rangnick scratching his head in frustration
Newcastle looking for third straight win in survival battle
Fabinho strike earns Liverpool battling win at Burnley
Leicester will rebound from FA Cup exit, says Liverpool manager
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Sundowns ready for marathon trip on the continent
Gaston Sirino sidelined for Sundowns’ Caf clash with Al Ahly
Downcast Dolly says he joined Chiefs to win trophies
Pirates begin Caf Confederation Cup campaign on winning note
Baxter explains reasons for selections in Chiefs’ cup defeat to TS Galaxy
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.