Inzaghi: "More pride than tension, ready for a great game"

The countdown to Inter Milan vs Bayern has begun. Tomorrow evening, Inter Milan host Die Roten at San Siro for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Nerazzurri won 2-1 in the first leg in Munich.

Ahead of the game at the Meazza, Simone Inzaghi spoke to the press.

How are you, given the media focus on you and the team right now? 

"There's more pride than tension. We know it'll be a tough game and that we need to forget the first-leg result. We played well in Munich. We know how good they are, and we'll need to have a really great game."

What do you think of "battle of wills" to describe the title race? 

"We know it's a tiring season, but playing every three or four days can sometimes help you. We were all experiencing the new UCL format for the first time. Last season, we were through by 8 November, but this year, we had to wait until 29 January. However, we can be pleased, but we know that we have a tough game tomorrow. They're a really strong side. We'll need a big performance."

The pressure out wide was difficult to deal with in the first leg; can that be contained tomorrow? 

"We did a quick session yesterday. Dimarco, Carlos Augusto, Frattesi and Zalewski are looking good. Dumfries and Zielinski are still out, as well as Correa who is not on the list. Bayern aren't just strong on the wing; they have plenty of talented players. We'll need a repeat of the game in Munich. We have to try to keep possession as much as possible."

Against Cagliari, we say that you managed some minutes; from here to the end of the season, do you think that you are out of trouble in terms of fitness issues? 

"It always depends. Game by game. I'd like to have all my squad available, but the situation is certainly better know than it was a month ago. I would always like to make decisions based on what I think is best and not on injuries. We have also had these issues due to the fact that the Champions League is more intense now. It's been hard all the way through."

What did you not like about the first leg? 

"The boys were great. We've analysed the game and seen that there were moments in which we could've been more aggressive in building up. There were times when we could've done better."

What do you need to avoid tomorrow? 

"We can't think about the score, only the performance. We can't look at our record against them, which is not positive. We're a mature side that knows the value of the opposition. I think that, with the right attitude, we can play really well:"

Are you working on penalties at the end of training? 

"We always do when we have a knock-out tie. With five subs, we need to put more attention on how to take penalties."

Müller coming on changed the first leg, and it seems like he might start tomorrow. Will you change your preparations for the game? 

"We know him well. In the first leg, he came on and scored, and he played well against BVB on Sunday. Bayern are also a team with a lot of talented players, young and established. We will need a big performance, like in the first leg."

Has something changed in the players' mindset following the win in the first leg? 

"We had an especially good first half, but we can't make calculations before the second leg. We did well to win in Munich. We know that that was only the first leg, and now, we need another good display against one of the world's best teams."

Marotta has stated that a renewal is but a formality. Will you comment on talks between yourself and the Club? 

"I don't think that it's the right time. I'm happy and Inter and that will be the key factor in my decision. Talking about my future doesn't seem appropriate; I'm feeling good, and I've got a great relationship with the Club. We'll discuss it at the end of the season."

Source: inter.it