Inzaghi: "We have to push, the fans always push us"

Matchday Five of the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League. Inter Milan host RB Leipzig on Tuesday at 21:00 CET (20:00 local time) at San Siro, in what is set to be a very important clash for the nerazzurri's European campaign.

The team trained this morning at San Siro: after the training session, Simone Inzaghi spoke in a press conference on the eve of the match.

Inter Milan are the highest ranked team in the world according to statistical data, ahead of teams like Manchester City. How proud are you of this?

"From the statistics that I've seen, I'm happy, but it's just statistics, we work to bring joy to the fans and team, to win trophies. In the last eleven games we have won nine and drawn two but we are there and alongside all of the others. The teams ahead are strong, they have spent money in the transfer market and they will want to finish as high as possible just like us".

How can this team raise the bar?

"We always need to push and try to improve. We are getting some positive results but we're always looking for things we can improve on. We are always trying to improve, in the league and in the Champions League there are always a lot of challenges". 

RB Leipzig need points: do you expect a particular tactical plan from them? 

"RB Leipzig have been in the Champions League for six years, they were in the semi finals in 2020, they had the second best defence in the Bundesliga until Saturday. They have a lot of quality and have deserved more in the last few games, they are a recognisable and organised team, with quality players and the standings are not a reflection of how they have played in the Champions League, while in the league the situation is different, we know we're facing a very strong side".

Do you sense the feeling of going all the way? 

"This is the hope, we know that there are 36 other teams with the same goal. We have played these matches in the best way possible but there are four more to go and we need points. 

We will face two German sides that have been doing well for years and the last two games will be in January, we will face prepared coaches and top quality players, we have to keep on going without looking too far ahead and thinking about what will come". 

How are Calhanoglu and Frattesi?

"Frattesi is experiencing a slight problem which he had before the International Break, he trained a bit yesterday and his ankle gave him a few problems this morning. We hope he doesn't miss out because we know how important and decisive he is for us. We hope that he will recover in a short space of time. 

Calha and Lautaro trained well yesterday and today, tomorrow morning we will assess the situation to see what team we will put out. In terms of Acerbi aren't too sure but it will be a short injury compared to his last one, we will see about him for Sunday".

How did you find the pitch at San Siro? 

"We came for this, there wasn't much time and they tried to improve it, in the last match against Napoli the players complained a bit, at this time of the year, you suffer a bit, then in January they will redo it and make it great just like in the first week of November".

How important is the push of the San Siro and what sort of development has Bisseck had?

"San Siro is always a boost for us, it's an important stadium and the players know it, it boosts us and I hope to be here for a while, to breath this air and we hope that the fans always push us. 

Bisseck has deserved his spot after the way he has worked. He's done well in understanding our principles straight away, for example by learning Italian, he wanted to understand the language straight away, and he's constantly improving and improving and I'm happy for him". 

Is there a battle for places between Bisseck and Bastoni? Is it fair to expect more from Taremi? 

"I'm happy with how Taremi is working and how he has been involved. He knew that he would've found competition here but he is very professional, well liked by his teammates and I have a lot of confidence in him. 

Bisseck can play on the left, I'd also like to see him in the middle of the tree, but without Acerbi and De Vrij, I'd be inclined to use Bastoni".

Has the preparation also been focused on the Club World Cup?

"It's a new thing for everyone, two years ago the novelty of the World Cup with a two month International Break in the winter, this year is different. 

We have prepared the same way for everything, obviously for those who arrived on 13 July it's been easier to work off compared to those who came later". 

Do you think you are one of the best coaches in the world? Inter play a brilliant brand of football.

"I've had the luck to arrive to an important team and have found an extraordinary group of players here. 

We know what we have done and what we will have to do and what our goals are. 

I want to continue doing well with Inter Milan because I have an extraordinary group here that continues to give to the fans and the club".