Simone Inzaghi admits he had passed on a job opportunity in the Premier League out of loyalty to Serie A champions Inter Milan.
Speaking to the press in the build-up to tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal, as reported by FCInterNews, Inzaghi addressed numerous exciting topics.
Lautaro Martinez netted his first Serie A goal at Giuseppe Meazza this season as Inter squeaked past Venezia 1-0 on Sunday.
It was supposed to be plain sailing for the Nerazzuri.
However, several missed opportunities nearly backfired on Inzaghi’s side at the death.
VAR came to Inter’s rescue, disallowing Venezia’s last-minute equalizer for a handball.
“We know where we are working well, let’s not forget that we have seven wins and a draw in the last eight,” Inzaghi said.
“I congratulated the team for the last game, they were very good: we conceded almost nothing.
“The only drawback is not having closed it out because, with the chances, it shouldn’t have been 1-0 in the 90th minute.
“Venezia ran a lot, they played an excellent game, believing in it until the end.
“Now we have two very difficult matches ahead of us, we think one game at a time.
“We have spent a lot in the last six, there are still two to go before the break. We will try to play two great matches”.
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“Arnautovic has an eye infection that’s taking time to heal. We’ll assess him for tomorrow; he would’ve had his chances,” Inzaghi said.
“He’s been training better than in recent weeks, and he’s a dedicated player, as are Taremi and Correa.
“We’ll check on Arnautovic and Lautaro tomorrow. Thuram seems to have recovered well, while Taremi is slightly fresher.
“Today, I divided the more fatigued players from the others, and I’ll choose the best line-up tomorrow.”
Given the significance of tomorrow’s game, Simone Inzaghi won’t rotate his squad much.
He also doesn’t think avoiding defeat against Arsenal would ensure automatic knockout qualification for Inter.
“I don’t think so; I take it game by game. Unfortunately, all three of our big league matches have come after European games.
“At Empoli, we had the advantage in numbers, so we didn’t expend much energy. Sunday’s match was more demanding.
“This morning, the players seemed to have recovered well, so I did more video training than on-field work.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll try to pick the best lineup.”
Inzaghi discussed the new Champions League format.
“Well, for us coaches, it’s much harder,” he admitted.
“Previously, we prepared six games against three opponents; now, we’re dealing with eight different teams.
“The standings used to take shape after three rounds; now, a single goal for or against can shift things.
“The team knows this – it’s probably a more exciting and entertaining group stage, but also much more challenging.
“It’s a lot more demanding for us, but the added excitement is welcome.”
Upcoming Challenges
Shortly after facing Arsenal, Inter will meet Napoli in Serie A’s top-table six-pointer.
Asked which win would be more valuable, Inzaghi replied: “Both. We’re facing strong teams, but our focus is on Arsenal, one of Europe’s best, coached by a top manager like Arteta.
“You’d recognize them among a hundred teams: aggressive, dynamic, and disciplined like a true team.
“They competed head-to-head with City for the Premier League over the last two seasons for good reason.
“In theory, we should aim to hold possession as much as possible. But we know it won’t be as simple as it was with City due to Arsenal’s pressing.
“We’ll need personality and precision, as Arsenal holds a lot of possession.
“It could be more challenging. We know how teams respond after a loss – look at us after the derby.
“We might face teams with added motivation. I watched the Newcastle match; playing there isn’t easy.
“Arsenal had chances, conceded some, and it was a captivating match.
“We’ll be up against a team that lost just two days ago and will want to put on a strong performance at San Siro,” Inzaghi added.
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“It’s a captivating league that every coach admires,” he admitted.
“I won’t deny there have been opportunities, both here at Inter and back when I was with Lazio.
“But right now, I’m very happy here, just like I was at Lazio.
“I enjoy it, it intrigues me, but at the moment I’m at Inter, one of Europe’s top teams. The future holds no certainties.”
After pledging his loyalty to Inter, Inzaghi discussed his tactical choices ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
“As coaches, we have to make many daily decisions, not just about the lineup.
“Napoli isn’t on my mind; it’s Arsenal. For example, if Bastoni is fit, he plays. Today he wasn’t at 100%, though he’s a generous player.
“He felt fatigued but claimed to be ready. I need to evaluate; he left with cramps in the 74th minute.
“Today, he did a light session and missed the tactical part.
“We’ll analyze the data and see if he starts, but my focus is on Arsenal, a top European team, alongside Real and City.”
Finally, he assessed Marcus Thuram’s significance.
The French forward drew seven of Inter’s last 17 penalties and forced two red cards against Torino and Empoli.
“Marcus is doing very well and needs to keep it up,” Inzaghi said.
“I read unfair assessments after Sunday’s match, despite him missing a couple of key goals.
“He had a great game that day and mentioned he recovered well; I’ll assess him tomorrow morning.
“He is a tremendous asset and must continue this development.”
