Inter manager Antonio Conte has spoken to official Inter club broadcaster Inter TV just after Inter’s 2-0 away win in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 match-up with reigning Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.
A heavily rotated Inter side, that had no less than seven changes compared to the side that started in this past weekend’s 2-1 Serie A loss to Lazio, struggled to initially break down their opposition who defended deeply and in numbers.
Christian Eriksen grabbed his first goal for the club as he broke the deadlock with 20 minutes of the game left and second half substitute Romelu Lukaku doubled Inter’s lead from the penalty spot in the final minute to as good as finish the tie.
Conte started by reflecting on the performance.
“In the first half, we played at too low a tempo both in terms of pressing and when attacking. When the ball is moved slowly it allows the opponent to close all spaces. In the second half things changed.”
He then spoke on competing in the Europa League and what that means for his team selection.
“The Europa League takes up a lot of physical and mental energy therefore everyone is needed. I was very clear with the boys that we will be rotating and each of them have made themselves available.”
Next he spoke on Inter’s upcoming Serie A match at home to Sampdoria and the lack of preparation the team will have: “We will return to Milan tomorrow and we will only have Saturday to try to prepare for the match against Sampdoria.”
In conclusion he spoke on Eriksen.
“He needs to get into the best physical condition and I think that even today he struggled a lot, as did the whole team.
“He has quality and he showed at points during the game. He has the means to be provide assists and put the ball in the back of the net.
“I don’t understand why there is all this anxiety about a player who has arrived in a great team like Inter. I want the best for Inter, so I will ensure that Eriksen is inserted in the right time.”
The post Inter Manager Conte: “The Europa League Takes Up A Lot Of Energy, Everyone Is Needed” appeared first on Sempreinter.
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