Legendary former AC Milan and Azzurri coach Arrigo Sacchi was interviewed by Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport about the Nerazzurri’s defeat in the Champions League against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The former Rossoneri coach began by stating that: “Inter lost the game and could not repeat the game against AC Milan, but Barcelona is another reality. Barcelona dominated, entertained and won. Although Messi was out, the team showed a competence and a collaboration that went beyond skills and fantasy. Inter made an impression during the first five minutes of the second half, then they acted as sparring partner to the Catalans.”
Sacchi continued by praising the La Liga giants stating that: “Barcelona was well connected and well placed, whoever had possession of the ball had 4-5 passing possibilities as opposed to Inter who maybe had one passing possibility when they finally got possession of the ball. The ability to read situations, acting like a solid block that advances and backs away in a compact way allows pressing and doubling up, something that gives you possession of the ball.”
In conclusion Sacchi states that: “The Spanish players have learned to put pressure on their opponent in a favorable way, but when there is no room for that they immediately back off, passing the ball to the nearest teammate. The passes are, as always, 5-10 meters except for some situations when they want to change the play. This just does not happen for Inter and there is a lot of work ahead for Spalletti.”
