Inzaghi: "Salzburg are an aggressive side. A true Inter performance needed"

The Champions League is back, with Inter set to face FC Salzburg at home on matchday three in Group D. Ahead of tomorrow’s 18:45 CEST kick-off, Simone Inzaghi answered journalists’ questions at the Suning Training Centre in Appiano Gentile:

How are Inter doing ahead of this important game? “Heading into this game, we’re doing well. We won against Torino, which was no easy task. Tomorrow’s match will be important in a group that is very balanced. We need to stay focused because Salzburg are a tough side to face and won away to Benfica on the opening matchday.”

What are your thoughts on Thuram so far? Has he surprised you? “Everyone knew about his qualities. Changing leagues and countries could have caused a few problems, but he’s been fantastic and feels very much at ease. He’s doing very well and needs to carry on working in the same way.”

Do you have any doubts about the team you’ll play? “I have several decisions to make because we played in Turin on Saturday. I’ll have to change things because rotating the squad will help us to manage both physical and mental fatigue.”

Is Sanchez ready to start? “Yes, he’s ready. He’s a player I really wanted to have and he’s come back with plenty of enthusiasm. He’s been working really well in the past few weeks and also played for Chile. I don’t know if he’ll play from the first minute, but he’s very important for us.”

Could Dumfries and Carlos Augusto play down the flanks? “Our wing-backs expend more energy than anyone else. I almost always change them because they need a breather. We’re missing Cuadrado at the moment, but luckily Darmian can help us out in that position.”

Do you fear this match more than the others? “This is a delicate match because the entire group is very balanced. Every game is important, and we’ll need to be highly focused.”

What kind of game will it be on a tactical level? “Salzburg play good football and have an aggressive playing system, even if they played differently in our pre-season friendly. They know how to switch it up and, when in possession, quickly get it to their forwards, who are very physical. We’ll have to produce a true Inter performance.”

Given that Inter are fighting for first place in Serie A and the Champions League, is it a positive thing that you need to avoid dropping points? “We’re in first place in both competitions. We know that we have a lot of games ahead of us, and we always need to look ahead to tomorrow, all the while aware that there are dangers in every match.”

You haven’t lost your voice for several weeks now: are you trying to stay calmer? “This season, I haven’t lost my voice as much. I know that I have this problem and am trying to improve in this respect.”

What is Pavard missing on a technical level to become “the Bastoni” on the right side of defence? “I’m happy with Pavard, who is a perfect player for our playing system. There are matches where he’s done really well and got into positions higher up the pitch. I’m very satisfied with what he’s giving us.”

Would Lautaro be worthy of the Ballon d’Or? “Yes, given the journey he’s been on and the trophies he’s won. I think it’s only right that he’s among the candidates to win it, and he needs to carry on working in the same way.”

With Sommer, in terms of building from the back, has there been a change of approach in training compared to when Onana was at the Club? “Our playing principles have remained the same. Sommer is an excellent goalkeeper and a fantastic professional, and he’s very good with his feet. He has great technical qualities, and we’re happy with the choice we made.”

In terms of fitness, what impact does international football have on a player? “It’s different for those who remain with us because they don’t have to travel and play matches, which means they can train at their best. For example, on Saturday, I sent on Klaassen because he’d trained here, while Sanchez had done a lot of travelling and spent a lot of energy playing two games.”