UCL, Calhanoglu: "We're ready and will give everything"

APPIANO GENTILE - On the eve of the Nerazzurri's Champions League match against Benfica, Hakan Calhanoglu spoke to the press at the Suning Training Centre. This is what he had to say:

How much have the team grown since last season? How difficult will it be to face Benfica again? "Getting to the final last season was fantastic. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but I'm proud of my teammates and the squad for what we did; it wasn't easy. We deserved to make the final, all the while showing who we are and how strong we are. We've improved a lot and have started the season well, even if we slipped up against Sassuolo. However, given that we're playing every three days, it can happen. I was injured last season so didn't play in Lisbon, and I don't yet know if I'll feature tomorrow, but we're all ready. Benfica have a lot of quality, and I know their head coach well having played under him at Leverkusen. I can't wait to face them again."

Will the victory over Salernitana fire you all up even more for tomorrow's match? "Our mentality is always the same and the match we've just played in Salerno will help us, but we're always ready. The players who recently arrived here are so strong, and we have a great group with a fantastic atmosphere in the changing room. We never want to give up. Last season, we made a few mistakes against smaller sides, but we want to make sure we always arrive prepared this year."

Is there a feeling that tomorrow's game could be decisive given the results on the opening matchday? "We certainly want to win and know that we need points. We've managed to recover and are ready for tomorrow's game. We're aware that it won't be easy, but we'll give everything for our fans, who will fire us up and help us play well."

Real Sociedad and Sassuolo put a lot of pressure on in the midfield area. Are opponents studying you even better this year? Are you taking countermeasures? "There's always room for improvement, even if I've grown a lot in the last two years. We've already analysed these two games. The staff members take a close look at our matches, and, when we're out on the pitch, we try to implement what they ask of us. They help us a lot, and we want to regain possession in the middle of the park. This is always my objective, as well as playing the ball forward quickly."

Now that your role has changed, are you monitored by opponents more? "I always need to be particularly focused and help both in defence and attack. I try to remain alert and calm so I don't feel the pressure. I always want to lend my teammates a hand."

Benfica now have Di Maria in their ranks. He's a player for the big occasion... "Yes. As a player, he's similar to Berardi, and we need to stay focused. Di Maria has played many important matches, but Benfica have many high-quality players. The small details will be vital tomorrow."

Turkey now have an Italian head coach, namely Vincenzo Montella: are you happy about that? "First of all, I'd like to thank Stefan Kuntz, who did some great work with us. Unfortunately, this is the way football is. I've already spoken to Montella on the phone; he wanted some information about the team. I played under him during my first year in Italy. It's great to have an Italian head coach; they're always well prepared and have advanced ideas."

Are Inter the favourites against Benfica? Have you spoken to Schmidt and Kokcu? "In the Champions League, every match is difficult. This group doesn't have a favourite because all the sides are strong. I'll be happy to see Schmidt, who gave me words of encouragement before the final. He's a very important person to me and someone who helped me grow a lot at Leverkusen. As regards Kokcu, I'm happy for him. He's a teammate of mine at international level and has just joined Benfica. He's an excellent player."

You're one of the most popular players among the Nerazzurri faithful: how did this happen? "It can't be explained; you can only experience it. I feel it out on the pitch, and the crowd transmit something which is indescribable. They're emotions felt by both myself and my family. At home, my mum used to cry because of the love the fans showed for me, as did my wife. I'll always give everything for this shirt, and I'll never forget my first few days here and the help they provided me with after my spell at AC Milan. I'd like to thank everyone for the strength they give me."

You've become one of the best playmakers in Europe: do you have any advice for Asllani? "I have a great relationship with Asllani, and this has been the case since last year. He has something special and a lot of quality. What we say to each other will remain between us, but I always tell him to give everything in training, be more aggressive and have more hunger. He's learning and improving, and he's a great guy who listens and gives his all."