Sommer: "We are Inter, we want to play a good game"

Inter are preparing to embark on their journey in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 with the game on Wednesday 18 September at 21:00 CEST away to Manchester City. On the eve of the game at the City of Manchester Stadium, the Nerazzurri goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, spoke in a press conference.

How do you feel ahead of tomorrow? Are you more nervous or excited? "I can’t wait to play a game like the one tomorrow. We want to get off to the best start possible in the Champions League, we are prepared, we have worked at our maximum and we have best prepared for this kind of game. I can’t wait to get out there”.

How do you feel about the start of this season? "We have played some games where we could have done better, like against Monza, but we always work to improve ourselves. It will be a long season, like the last one. It’s normal that things don’t go exactly how we wish in the first games but I am convinced that we are a good team and I can’t wait to start this tournament in the best way possible”.

How have you prepared to face Haaland? "People often ask about him, he is one of the best strikers about, but we will face a strong side, Manchester City have great players with great attacking skills. Yes, Haaland is powerful and fast but we need to be prepared to put in a big performance. We have great skills and we want to show our football on the pitch, remaining focused and playing the best game possible”.

You were not there for the final two years ago, but after the Scudetto win, do you feel stronger on a European level?  "It’s hard to think about the 2023 final, I wasn’t there. Last year, we won the Scudetto and had a fantastic season but this is a fresh start with new clashes and we will take nothing for granted with our opponents. We need to bring the same intensity, put our hearts, courage and energy into the games and have a great season in Serie A and the Champions League. We are working for this every day but we know that we need to put in even more energy and strength with respect to last season to get the results that we want”.

What struck you about that final? Has there been something particular in terms of preparing for this game? "Two years ago, I was impressed. Last year, I came to Inter and I saw the many skills of the squad: the whole team defends as of there were a child in goal to protect. I’ve seen courage and the capacity to give it our all to win, from everyone, power, energy and the right attitude on the pitch… this is Inter”.

Have you studied Haaland in particular? "I always prepare in the best way possible for every game. Manchester City have many quality players, I’ve faced Haaland several times, I will try to challenge him tomorrow. However, tomorrow we don’t have to just stop Haaland but Manchester City, it’s different. We have a lot of quality, we defend well and know how to handle a deficit. We have a great side and we need to bring all of the skills that allowed us to have such a great season last year”.