The Nerazzurri coach on the eve of the match against Union Saint-Gilloise: “We have to be the best version of ourselves, we have to try to win every match to still be in the running in all competitions in the spring”
The first annoyance comes from the lights in the conference room, a sort of basement dug into the ground of the Anderlecht stadium. The second, more important and concrete, is Napoli’s thought that it can distract the players in a match that doesn’t make mistakes. Cristian Chivu warns Inter of the risks of the European away match placed in the worst week: “A club like ours must think match by match with the idea of always winning. We need to think big, for a question of coat of arms. And the objective is to arrive in the spring still being in the running in all competitions, including the Italian Cup. This is the Champions League, we must be prepared and deserve qualification. Also so as not to lose enthusiasm, because we know what can happen in the event of a misstep: the negative mood would circulate again…”.
the changes
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However, it is inevitable to change some players compared to Saturday’s victory against Roma. The magnificent temptation is the launch of the Esposito-Bonny attack duo: “Are you still asking for the lineup? – jokes Chivu – For me there are no starters and reserves. Nor rotations. I have full faith in my squad, everyone can play”. Especially in Brussels against Union Saint-Gilloise, who are not a top-level opponent: “We need to be careful of their aggressiveness. They are reigning champions in Belgium and lead the current league table. Furthermore, they won away to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. They changed coach (Hubert replaced Pocognoli who went to Monaco) but without losing their identity.”
the hitch
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Lautaro has recovered from his cold (“The minutes played at the Olimpico have made the ailment melt away”) and will be managed, especially given the less welcome news: Marcus Thuram will also miss Napoli. “Unfortunately he won’t be there – admits Chivu – and at this moment we are not able to say when he will return. It will take a few days longer than expected.” The optimism of the first days was erased by the tests: Thuram has not yet recovered from the muscle injury.
the goalkeeper
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The newfound certainty is instead Yann Sommer, who has regained his place as a starter on a permanent basis after the errors in Turin. “But I don’t feel calm or confident – he explains, speaking next to his coach – when you play for Inter you always have to be fully concentrated. The atmosphere in the locker room is excellent but it was also excellent at the beginning of the season, when the results weren’t good. I’m convinced that this team can erase last year’s disappointments and fight on every front until the end.”
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