Inter manager Antonio Conte shared his views on his teams performance in their 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the final group stage match in the Champions League in his post-match press conference.
“We fought until the end in a very difficult group, the most difficult group of all in fact. It is a shame because we had the chance to move forward. There is regret and disappointment,” he said.
“We had important chances to score and in football you have to make the most of them so that you win otherwise things get complicated. We were not cynical enough. We could have capitalised and progressed.”
Conte proceeded to apologise to the fans and praise them for the support they gave his team.
“I am sorry to the fans who created a beautiful and unique atmosphere. I think the fans recognised the effort that the boys put in, they showed desire and commitment. We exit the group stage with regret and it is a pity. I told the boys that falling down is part of the journey and that real men get back up.
“You learn something from disappointing situations like this one. I hope that we will come out the other side of this stronger.”
He was then asked about the upcoming January transfer window.
“Honestly it’s not fair to talk about the market right now. I am proud to be the coach of this team, who, in a moment of difficulty have given me everything they have. There are two games left before the winter break.
“I would have liked to progress to the next round and it would have happened if we had made the most of the chances we had.
“We have to give everything in the two games that are left and we know it will not be easy but it is always the same. I do not feel like talking about anything else but I want to praise my guys. They are doing something important and are growing in everything they do.”
