Inzaghi: Inter ‘have to win both’ matches against Arsenal and Napoli

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has explained what difficulties Inter will face against Arsenal in the Champions League, while also giving his verdict on the competition’s new format and also revealing that he has had opportunities to move to the Premier League over the last few seasons.

The Inter coach sat down for his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the Champions League league phase fixture between Inter and Arsenal at San Siro on Wednesday night. 

Inzaghi has no concerns about his side’s form heading into the Arsenal clash, even though they faced some criticism after their narrow 1-0 victory over Venezia.

“We know that we’re doing well, let’s not forget that we’ve won seven and drawn one from our last eight games,” Inzaghi told the press.

“We always have to consider the opponents we’re up against. I complimented the team after the last game as they were very good and did everything I asked of them.

“The only flaw was not being able to put the game to bed. Obviously with all the chances we had, we shouldn’t have got to the 97th minute with the scores still at 1-0, but let’s not forget that our opponents try and cause difficulties for us, like Venezia did.

“We’ve got two very difficult games ahead of us, and we’ll take them one-by-one. First is Arsenal, one of the strongest teams in Europe.”

Inzaghi on Lautaro Martinez, Taremi and Arnautovic and Inter changes

Inzaghi revealed that Marko Arnautovic has been out with a rogue ‘injury’, which is why he has not featured in any of Inter’s recent matchday squads.

“You would have seen him again, but he’s had a problem for 10 days: An infection in one of his eyes which is struggling to go away. We’ll see about tomorrow, he trained well this morning. At this level, a small issue is enough to keep you out for three games, but he’s working well.”

Inzaghi is expected to name a strike partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi again, which has been the case in the last three of Inter’s Champions League matches.

“Lautaro and Thuam have recovered quite well if you ask me, Taremi is a bit fresher. We’re just 40 hours after the Venezia game. We’ll do a light training session tomorrow and I’ll try to choose the best line-up.”

Inter have made more changes for their Champions League matches than any other side in the competition so far this term, but Inzaghi gave a reasonable explanation for his rotated line-ups in Europe.

“Unfortunately we’ve had Milan, Juventus and Napoli immediately after our Champions League matches. It’s only Inter who have such challenging matches immediately after the Champions League.”

Inzaghi on new Champions League format

The Nerazzurri tactician went on to explain why the newly-expanded Champions League format is more difficult for players and coaches compared to the previously recognised 32-team format.

“It’s much more difficult for us coaches, even more so for the players. Previously, you had to prepare for three teams, so until February those three teams were all you had to concentrate on, it was easier. Now you have to think about eight different games.

“Previously, after the first three games, you already started to have an idea of the ranking in your head. Now, you need to know the positions, how many points might be needed, but then the final placings could be decided on goals scored or conceded.

“The team is aware of that, it’s probably more interesting, more fun, but also more difficult. It’s more of a spectacle, but it’s more demanding.”

Inzaghi on importance of Arsenal and Napoli matches 

After the Arsenal match, Inter will immediately start preparing for their battle with Napoli in Serie A. Antonio Conte’s side currently lead the division after 11 games, but after their recent loss to Atalanta, Inter sit just one point behind them in second.

Asked which game he would like to win more if he could only choose one, Inzaghi replied: “We need both. We know we are playing against two very strong teams.

“We’re thinking about tomorrow’s game for now. We’re facing one of the best teams in Europe, with a very respected coach. They went point-for-point with Manchester City in the last two seasons in England.

“We will have to try and keep the ball as much as possible. We know that we are facing a team that will put us under a lot of offensive pressure. We know that it will be a problem for us when they have the ball, but the opposite is also true.”

Inzaghi also revealed that he has had opportunities to work in the Premier League over the last few seasons.

“It’s very interesting football, all coaches like it. I don’t deny that there have been possibilities over the last few years, even when I was at Lazio, but I was happy at LAzio and I’m happy at Inter. I like it (English football), it intrigues me, but I’m at one of the best teams in Europe and I’m happy here. Nobody can be certain about the future, though.”