Inter Milan Coach Eager For Nerazzurri To Impress In Champions League Match Vs Monaco: “Want To Play A Great Game” | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi spoke in the press conference in the build-up to tomorrow’s Champions League game between Inter Milan and Monaco.

During his pre-game chat via FCInterNews, the Scudetto-winning manager addressed several crucial topics, including the club’s European ambitions.

After winning the Serie A title last term, Simone Inzaghi is eager to guide Inter to the continental throne.

However, it’s not a straightforward task by any stretch of the imagination.

“We’re aware of the path we’ve taken and the challenges faced over the last three and a half years,” Inzaghi stated.

“We’ve had to work hard, but I knew that from the start. However, we’re close to being among the top eight, which is no small feat.

“I’d wait until tomorrow night before talking about a great achievement.

“Some teams with bigger budgets than Inter will miss out, but the Champions League has challenges in every game.”

The journey is long, and Inter must take one step at a time.

Simone Inzaghi Wants Inter Milan to Play ‘Great’ Game vs Monaco

“We don’t need to make calculations,” Inzaghi was adamant.

“Tomorrow night we want to take the final step against a strong opponent with excellent offensive players, well-organized, and led by a coach I’ve faced before.

Inter Milan’s Italian coach Simone Inzaghi gives a press conference on the eve of their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match against Club Atletico de Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

“Great respect for Monaco, but we want to play a great game.”

Meanwhile, Monaco’s impressive European campaign doesn’t surprise Inzaghi.

“Yes, because Ligue 1 is a competitive league,” the Inter boss admitted.

“Teams like Lille and Monaco are strong, physical sides. Brest is also doing well and could make the top eight.

“The French league has outstanding talent, like those in Monaco. It’s a very physical competition.”

Inzaghi also assessed Inter’s scoring difficulties in Europe.

Despite being Serie A’s most prolific side, they’ve struggled to translate that form to the Champions League.

“We’ve played seven matches with great focus. We’ve scored less.

“But we’ve only conceded one goal, and that was due to an error on our part.

“We’ve maintained concentration and been aggressive, which is what’s needed in the Champions League.”

Personnel Problems

Tomorrow, they’ll be without star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, but Inzaghi’s ‘optimistic’ about his swift recovery.

“I still need to review a few things. I will make changes as I always do; there are some doubts.

“Acerbi and Calhanoglu won’t be available, and Taremi had an issue in Lecce and trained in the gym.

“I hope to recover him; otherwise, I’ll have to make other evaluations.

“He, Acerbi, and Correa will be unavailable tomorrow.

“They’re working well, and we’re optimistic for Sunday, but we’ll see over the next few days.

“However, I’ve seen them working positively in training.”

Marko Arnautovic & Yann Bisseck in Contention for Starting XI

Arnautovic could start alongside Marcus Thuram despite Lautaro Martinez’s return to form.

“The forwards can play together; they’ve shown that. They complement each other well,” Inzaghi confirmed.

“For tomorrow, I still have to make decisions. Arnautovic has trained very well, and Lautaro and Thuram have shown they’ve recovered.

“I’ll decide based on the Monaco game, not the derby, considering the previous matches and how much the players have exerted.”

Meanwhile, Yann Bisseck is the favorite to team up with Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard at the back.

“He can do it, and he’s shown it when starting or playing in Lecce. He’s growing continuously,” Inzaghi said.

“He’s currently playing as the third defender in a back five but can adapt when necessary.

“We’re waiting for Acerbi’s return, and we have De Vrij, but Bisseck has demonstrated he can handle it.”

Transfer Market & Curva Nord Scandal

Inter could offload Tajon Buchanan in the final days of the January transfer window.

Moreover, they already loaned Tomas Palacios out to Monza on a dry loan.

However, Inzaghi remains coy on the incoming front.

“I can’t comment on the market,” he claimed.

“I know there’s a deal for Palacios, who is a growing player. After five months and two appearances, this time has helped him.

“He has many requests and will likely go on loan, as clubs have recognized his qualities.

“There have been unforeseen events that limited the substitutions I wanted to make.”

Finally, Inzaghi addressed the Curva Nord scandal.

“I’m very calm. They’re doing their job, but I’ve clarified everything necessary in the appropriate venues and with complete serenity.

“I don’t want to dwell on it, knowing we have an important match tomorrow.

“However, I’ve said everything I needed to in the right context.”