Calhanoglu: “We’re expecting an intense game. We have to show what we can do”

APPIANO GENTILE – The countdown to kick-off in the first leg of Inter’s meeting with Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League continues. Ahead of the game on Wednesday at 21:00 CET, Hakan Calhanoglu sat alongside boss Simone Inzaghi to answer questions from the media in the pre-match press conference.

You played very well against Real Madrid twice in the group stage, but didn’t get a positive result ether time. What’s the mistake that you need to ensure you don’t repeat over two legs against Liverpool? “I agree, we did play really well against Real Madrid. We were able to play our game and create plenty of chances, but we didn’t score goals. We have to create and find the net tomorrow. We must push until the end because it’ll be a very intense game against Liverpool.”

Is there a secret behind the fact that you’ve been scoring more goals and providing more assists this season than in previous ones? “I think the secret is my heart and mentality. I’ve joined a team with a winning mentality, which is why I came here. I thank my team-mates, as they’ve really helped me out. I play in a different position under the boss and I really like it because I get more of the ball, then the rest has to come from me, my quality and my team-mates.”

You’ve been particularly consistent this year. What’s changed for you on a personal level? “I’ve improved thanks to the boss and his coaching staff. They’re here every day to help the players improve. I feel that and I give my all on the pitch.”

You know your former AC Milan team-mates better than anyone else. Do you think they’ll be supporting you tomorrow and hoping Inter go as far as possible in the Champions League or will they be cheering on Liverpool? “I have plenty of friends there, but I don’t think they’ll be supporting us tomorrow. I’m not interested in that because I’m just focused on doing my job. We’re focused on ourselves. We have to fight tomorrow and be as prepared as possible for the game.”

When you signed for Inter, did you expect to be in contention on all fronts at this stage of the season? “I’m very pleased. In six months, I’ve won a trophy that had eluded me. I also want to win the Coppa Italia, but the Champions League is always a dream. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. We have to be united and show what we can do on the pitch. If we can play our game tomorrow, I think we’ll do well.”

How excited are you to play in such an important game tomorrow and go for the target of guiding Inter into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 11 years? “I’ve already lost in the last 16 against Atletico Madrid on penalties, so I hope to win tomorrow. We want to get through to the next round because these games are so important for us as players.”

Liverpool have a very dynamic midfield. How do you plan to tackle that difficulty? “They’re dynamic in the middle of the park and we know that. We’ll take to the pitch tomorrow to show our character. I’m ready because I’ve been looking ahead to this match. We’re up against a very good side, which will allow us to show our personality and how we play on the pitch. We’re ready.”