Live TMW
AND Matthew Darmian the playerInter at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match against Arsenal. Live text by TMW.
2.50pm – The press conference is scheduled to start at 3pm.
15.03 – The press conference begins.
Inter veteran, it is said that they remain the strongest team. The feeling is that you are not yet at last year’s level. What is hardest to replicate?
“The ambitions are always high, when you play in an important club like Inter you always want to achieve the maximum objectives. Every day we can improve and we try to do so, maybe in the championship this year we left a few points but we are there and we want to continue in the growth process that began years ago. Then the field will decide whether we are favorites or not.”
New Champions format, have you got an idea of how much is missing to reach the goal of finishing in the top eight?
“It’s the first year of this format, it’s new for everyone and we don’t have these thoughts. We are focused on tomorrow’s match, against a strong team that expresses a great game. We are no different and we want to demonstrate it in our stadium “.
The way Arsenal play, they push a lot on the flanks, will you have to stay a little low?
“We will try to play our game, taking into account the qualities and characteristics of Arsenal. We know the quality of Saka and the other attacking players they have, we will have to work at team level and do our best to put them in difficulty when we have the ball.”
Is the weight of the shirt with the shield on the chest different?
“I think not, I think that the will and desire to defend a championship is an important thing. There must be a ferocious desire to defend it, I think it takes a great will to win: I know this group of lads well, the way they work I don’t have doubts about quality and determination”.
Have you studied Saka in a particular way?
“No, we need to pay attention to everyone. He is an important player for them, he has great qualities in one-on-one situations. But, as I said before, Arsenal are not one player but an important, quality collective. They will need a great teamwork on a defensive level and beyond.”
Lautaro complained about seventh place at the Ballon d’Or. What does he need to improve on and what can you comrades help him with?
“I don’t know if it’s right or not, Lauti is a great player and it’s normal that he always aspires to the maximum. That’s what we want too, to always reach the maximum, our objectives. As far as I’m concerned and the team is concerned, we will always try to put him in the best conditions. He doesn’t need many words, he’s a great player and a great captain.”
Slot spoke about different intensity between the Premier League and Serie A, what do you think?
“I don’t know, I had the opportunity to play in the Premier League and it’s certainly a slightly different type of football, like the culture. There’s less tactics and so it seems like the games are quicker, but I think the Italian championship is also difficult This is demonstrated by the fact that even the English teams, not only when they meet the Italians, have difficulties. Tomorrow we will try to play our game, aware of our strength and our quality. We will respect our opponents, always trying to win our own matches”.
How is Zielinski fitting in?
“In addition to being a great player, he is a very good boy. He inserted himself into the group straight away, he is a boy who is giving us and will give us a great hand.”
How do you feel physically and mentally?
“We feel good, we are coming from a positive period and we know very well that winning helps to win. We didn’t have many days to prepare for this match, but we did it in the best possible way. These are matches that prepare themselves, we will give our best “.
Where can Arsenal be placed? Is she a contender to win the Champions League like you?
“The pitch will tell you this, they are certainly two strong teams. In recent seasons Arsenal have competed for the title with Manchester City, they are equipped and strong. In recent years we have won important trophies. It will be difficult, but we want to bring home three points”.
Are you happy with the contract renewal discovered recently?
“My role is told by my teammates, I always try to give everything and improve myself. I don’t think about the contract, I only think about working and deserving anything on the pitch.”
Would you like to get back into the national team?
“The national team is very important, every player aspires to it. Spalletti is making an important journey, with young people. He is creating a group that is doing well, what matters to me is doing well with the club and then we’ll see. I certainly wish the best for the next matches, as I said I’ll try to do my best.”
How do you see Pavard?
“He is a great player, since he arrived he has immediately made himself available to the group. You always have to take something from every great player, he has grown like the whole team and will certainly continue to do so. He is a serious boy, as well as having quality football has human ones.”
3.17pm – The press conference concluded.