Inzaghi: "Focus and consistency will make the difference"

The Champions League returns: The Nerazzurri will take to the field to take on Crvena zvezda tomorrow, 1 October, at San Siro, kicking off at 21:00 CEST. On the eve of the match, from the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, coach Simone Inzaghi addressed journalists' questions during the press conference:

What does your work require differently this year compared to last year? What are the challenges of this season?

"Winning is difficult, but defending the title is even harder. The players are working very hard, but we still lack the continuity we had last year. Every team has faced difficulties; everyone is trying to improve, including us. This morning, we analysed Saturday's match and the goals conceded. As Stefan mentioned, it’s not just about the defenders but the entire team, and we are working on it. I’m confident".

What kind of match do you expect tomorrow, and how important are these three points with the new format?

"Last year, after the first two matches, we could make some small assessments. Now it’s a bit of everyone against everyone, with more matches and challenges. Our schedule isn't the easiest, but we need to focus on one match at a time".

How important is concentration?

"Concentration is crucial. We have principles that we've upheld for a long time, and there are moments when we need to tighten up. Inter must maintain continuity without conceding anything. If we hadn’t conceded on those two occasions on Saturday, we would be talking about something else. Right now, we need to pay even more attention because we’re facing quality opponents both in the league and in the Champions League".

Is this Champions League more suited to your performance? How will you manage rotation?

"I still need to decide on the attackers. Lautaro, Thuram, Arnautovic, and Taremi all have a good chance of playing, but I don’t yet know who will start, it's still to be evaluated. This season is proving to be even more challenging. I rely on what I see and must make choices. For the last three years, we’ve always advanced from the group stage, and this year’s format is more exciting. We must pay attention in every match, as we did in Manchester; we need to do the same against Crvena zvezda tomorrow. They are a well-coached team with great players, and it will be a match full of pitfalls that we need to manage well".

With Barella absent, can Frattesi play three matches in a row?

"I’m considering whether he will start. He’s doing well".

Bisseck said last season was unrepeatable. Should the bar be raised even higher?

"In the league, we are third, just two points off the top. Everyone is trying to find their certainties and that continuity makes the difference. I was very pleased with Bisseck’s performance on Saturday. He had an excellent match and needs to keep going".

Could having Zielinski and Mkhitaryan available be useful tomorrow?

"Zielinski will definitely play. I'm evaluating the other two positions".

How did you analyse the goals conceded against Udinese?

"There’s a shared responsibility for both goals. For the first, the whole team needs to move up the field. When the cross comes in, we need to position ourselves better. The second goal also had a combination of errors, just like the first. Everyone could have done more, and we analysed it thoroughly, which the team received well".

What’s the status of Dumfries’ contract renewal?

"It hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s very likely. I'm happy because he's an important player. Tomorrow, just like for Zielinski, I can already say that he will also play".