Sommer agrees with Messi on Ballon d’Or winner, insists Inter must ‘do more’ | OneFootball

Yann Sommer agrees with Leo Messi that Lautaro Martinez should win the Ballon d’Or this year and insists Inter must ‘do more defensively’ to retain the Serie A title.

The ex-Swiss international spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport as Inter prepare to visit Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri sit second, just two points below table leaders Napoli, but have already lost one game and conceded nine goals in seven matches.

“Last season’s key was the strength of the group and the quality,” said the experienced goalkeeper.

“There was a perfect balance between attack and defence. We defended like madmen like our kids were inside the goal. We were so consistent, nearly perfect, and the level never decreased. Now we are the defending champions, and everyone wants to beat us. This is a big difference. I think it’s normal to have a bit of a slower start, but after a great season, we are still there, sitting second.

“I expect a tough season with great competition,” Sommer continued.

“But even in the previous campaign, there was a moment when we were second. We’ve already seen Juventus and Napoli’s strength, but we also lost the derby, so beware of Milan. When we say that every game is challenging in Serie A, it is not a cliché; it’s the truth.”

Sommer agrees with Messi on Ballon d’Or winner, insists Inter must ‘do more’

No team has managed to retain the Serie A title in the last four years.

“It’s all inside the head. You are happy and a bit more relaxed when you win,” admitted Sommer.

“You do a bit less than the year before, and you can’t afford it at this level. Our coach makes us work hard to beat this unconscious sense of relaxation, and he’s right. We must do more than last season because tough rivals want to overtake us.”

The 35-year-old feels weaker preventive marking has had a bigger impact than the defenders’ age.

“It’s such an important point,” he said.

“We did it so well last season when he had the ball. We must return to that level. The whole team must do more defensively, be united, and be well-positioned when we lose the ball.”

Do Inter have a priority between Serie A title and Champions League?

“We can get the same results in both competitions thanks to the team we have. It’s not easy; there’s a packed fixture list, but this is our target,” said the Nerazzurri goalkeeper.

Inter Milan’s Swiss goalkeeper #01 Yann Sommer stops the ball during the penalty shoot-out session during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Inter Milan at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 13, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

“We must give our all in these eight Champions League games. Our level is higher than the Round of 16 we reached last season. We can go beyond and keep our standard in the league. We can’t give away anything.”

Inter signed solid second-choice sleeper Josep Martinez last summer. Where does Sommer see himself in the future?

“My contract expires in June 2026. I don’t know where I’ll be,” he replied.

“I haven’t thought about it, but I am happy in Milan. I have significant challenges ahead. I don’t see myself elsewhere, so I put all my energy into Inter.

“Josep and I are on good terms. He also played for Leipzig, but unfortunately, he didn’t learn German. He is a nice guy and an excellent keeper with great potential. He’s entirely different from me. Tall and big, it’s good for Inter to have different options for this role.”

Who was Sommer’s idol?

“I must say Buffon. It was not just how he occupied the goal. He was complete: character, pace, and charisma. I loved watching him and getting inspiration from him.”

Leo Messi said during the October break that Lautaro Martinez should win the Ballon d’Or this year.

“I entirely agree with Messi. I’ve known Lautaro for one and a half years and immediately noticed his immense personality and his captain’s spirit. He is a deadly finisher. We always need me, and it would be such a deserved award.”

Lastly, the 35-year-old was asked if he’s disappointed that one of his favourite singers, Bruce Springsteen, will play twice at San Siro next summer when the Nerazzurri will be in the USA for the Club World Cup.

“I’d love to see him live. Bruce represents the afternoons at home as a kid; listening to my father’s records, I’ve read the book and listened to the podcast he did with Obama. I love what he plays and sings and the ideas that he represents.”