UCL, Calhanoglu: "We need to be united and focused"

APPIANO GENTILE - With just over 24 hours to go until Inter's Champions League opener against Bayern Munich, Hakan Calhanoglu spoke alongside Simone Inzaghi in today's press conference. This is what the Turk had to say:

What kind of moment is this and what is required after the derby? "We need to bounce back immediately. We lost the derby because of mistakes that we made. We've analysed them and are motivated for tomorrow. It's the Champions League tomorrow and we need to be ready immediately and united out on the pitch."

Last season, Inter produced some great performances in the Champions League. Could the tournament provide the right climate to bounce back? What can the mistakes be put down to? "Last year, we dominated against Real Madrid and Liverpool. We had the games in our hands but lost due to small mistakes that changed the way they went. We need to be more focused and united on the pitch. We've analysed our mistakes and are ready. This year, we're in another difficult group, but this is what the Champions League is like. It's great to be involved and play against strong sides to see what point we're at."

Was the derby a match that affected you in particular? What does it mean to be facing Bayern Munich? "I know Bayern Munich well; I've played a lot of matches against them. They're strong and dynamic, and they press high. They always look to dominate, and we need to be ready and focused. We can't afford to lose the ball easily because they're a fast team. The derby is now in the past. It hurts because we lost, but it's gone now."

After a defeat, do you think it's better to play a big match like the one coming up tomorrow to immediately feel motivated? "It's best to think about the next one immediately and play in the Champions League."

What objective have you all set in the Champions League and what is the lesson you've learnt from last year? "Every team wants to progress from the group stage, but we need to remain calm and take it step by step. Our group is a difficult one, but we want to improve this year."

A lot has been said about Inter's difficulties in defence. Do you think the midfield could do more to help the team? "The small details make the difference. We got it wrong as a team and need to look to improve and bounce back together. When we are united, nothing can happen to us."

APPIANO GENTILE - It's the eve of the Champions League start for Inter Milan, awaiting their debut in Group C. The contest with Bayern Munich kicks off on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST: a fascinating, historic and immediately significant match for the group.

Ahead of the big game, the Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi answered journalists' questions in the press conference:

Tomorrow between 55 and 60 thousand Nerazzurri fans are expected at San Siro: how important will their support be? "Tomorrow our fans will be really important, we know the opponent we're facing and their strength. It's a very competitive group, but in my opinion tomorrow's match must be seen an opportunity after Saturday's disappointment".

Will Barella and Bastoni play? "I don't like talking about individuals: we all have to improve our condition, it's normal. As for the formation, I have several doubts: tomorrow we'll have another training session and later I'll look at the data from this morning's session. We have to get 10 points in this group, which objectively is very difficult even compared to last year. But we are Inter and facing Bayern is an opportunity: they are one of the 3 or 4 favourites to win the trophy.

Can the two defeats at the start of the season also be an opportunity to turn things around? "Certainly, defeats must become an opportunity. We reviewed and analysed Saturday's game, there were moments in the match when Inter did better, when we scored the two goals. Until the equalising goal we were in control, and then we had a tough period, but after our second goal we deserved to draw. We all have to work harder, including me as coach.

In your opinion was there too much talk about Handanovic? "When you lose, the whole team has responsibility, including me. I try to improve the team on a daily basis: this league seems to be different to last year. We have to think one game at a time and prepare for it both behind the scenes and on the pitch, so that we can improve."

Tomorrow you will meet Mané, then Lewandowski with Barcelona: who is more dangerous? "We met Mané last year, he is a great footballer with incredible intensity. Lewandowski is another great player, in a month and a half we will have met them both: they are very difficult but very exciting matches.

What was the main mistake on Saturday? "We analysed the derby, defeats have to be accepted and looked at. The biggest mistake was to stop playing like we did in the first 25 minutes after the draw. A negative period in the match can happen, but the team must react better and stay in the game like in the first 25 minutes and after our second goal. We managed the game well for a decent part of the match".

Is Mkhitaryan a candidate to play as a starter? "Mkhitaryan came into the match very well from the bench on Saturday. He is a player of quality and consistency, he will help us a lot. He started his preparation late, but he did it very well. After the problem he had he's been at full strength for a week. He can be a solution from kick off or in from the subs' bench.

How is Gosens? "I think Gosens is training very well, he is an exemplary professional who missed practically the whole of last season and was unavailable until April. I am happy with him, I will decide on a game-by-game basis when and how to fit him in."

Bayern have drawn their last two matches: how can you trouble this team? "I've watched Bayern's last two matches, in terms of numbers there was no contest. The opponents did well to limit them with continuous aggression. Bayern have the intensity and aggression to be one of the best teams in Europe.

After Saturday did the players talk to each other, did they try to build something positive? "Yes, in training I saw what I wanted and what I have always had from this group. Other than words, only behaviour on the pitch and how we train matters: the team is preparing in the best way, knowing that we face a tricky opponent.

Does the team have a new lease of life after Saturday's game? "Definitely: criticism is normal in football, I like to listen to constructive criticism because it stimulates me. I have to make so many choices every day and I'll always try to make them for the good of Inter."