UCL, Handanovic: “We always need to raise our game”

APPIANO GENTILE – We’ve arrived at the eve of the opening matchday of this season’s Champions League, which sees Inter take on German side Borussia Mönchengladbach in a Group B clash at San Siro tomorrow at 21:00 CEST. The Nerazzurri captain Samir Handanovic joined Antonio Conte for today’s press conference; here is what the veteran ‘keeper had to say:

Inter have been conceding more goals than they did at the end of last season. Is that worrying? As a goalkeeper, it’s always worrying when you concede eight goals. But no matter the number, goals are life for us, both for the attack and defence, because they bring you joy and points. On the other hand, I’m not worried because we’re creating a lot of chances, and when you create a lot of chances, it’s normal that we take risks and can be hit on the counterattack. That’s football. We need to be even more clinical in front of goal because that can make the difference.

Have you worked on defence in particular? There hasn’t been time since the Derby to work on anything too specific. The important thing is to look at our errors because we can learn from them. I have faith because if every player analyses his own mistakes, we can only ever improve. We need to raise our game; the Champions League is tough and we all need to do better.

How much do you feel you can give in football on a physical and motivational level? How do you feel? I feel good and am really motivated. Football is my passion, it’s everything. I’ll be here as long as I have the motivation to improve and compete.