Thuram: ‘We love playing together, that's the secret’

It is the eve of Champions League for Inter Milano, who arrived in Prague late on Tuesday afternoon for their match against Sparta Praha on Wednesday 22 at 21:00 CET.

From Prague's Stadion Letná, Marcus Thuram answered journalists' questions in the press conference ahead of the match.

You have a very high goal average in the league, but you score less in the Champions League: why do you think that is?

‘There is not much difference for me, only the three points count. We only failed to score against Leverkusen in the Champions league, but otherwise we won four games. The fact that the result is 1-0 or 3-0 doesn't matter; only the win counts.'

How difficult is it to play in the league against a rival like Napoli, who don't play in the cups?

'Last year we won Serie A playing in the Champions League, so I don't think that's an excuse. What counts and what really makes the difference is the freshness of mind with which we participate in the league to try to win every game.'

It's been 254 days since you and Lautaro scored together: is that something you are happy about?

‘I'm happy when Lautaro scores and he's happy when I manage to score. What counts though is winning games, much more than scoring together.'

Last year Inter were leading the league at this point. Is there a different mood this year because of the standings?

‘Personally, nothing changes. We have to try to win every game. It doesn't change anything whether you are ahead or behind in the standings.'

During your career, have you ever had a team like Inter? What is the secret?

‘I think Inter's secret is to have 24-25 players who love to train, play and spend time together. We are true friends and each of us is willing to make a great effort for each other.'

Do you see Lautaro more relaxed now that he is scoring again?

‘Lautaro has never been nervous; he is our captain and he has been leading Inter on and off the pitch since the beginning of the season. He's a leader for us. It's nice for him to score, but nothing has changed compared to before: he's never been nervous for that reason.’