Ahead of Inter’s Europa League round of 32 second leg tie at home to Ludogorets, Inter manager Antonio Conte has spoken with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia to share his thoughts on the clash with the reigning Bulgarian champions.
“We need to secure qualification, which is the most important thing. We know that every match has its potential pitfalls and although we come into this off the back of a good result in the first leg, every game starts 0-0. We must have a good match with the right conviction and desire to win,” he said.
He was then asked on Alexis Sanchez and Christian Eriksen who are both widely expected to start the match at San Siro.
“These matches are further tests to understood how players like them are both physically and tactically. They are taking the required steps to meet my demands and to up their conditions.”
Next he spoke on how he will keep the team focused for the match especially given the Derby D’Italia against Juventus is to be played on Sunday.
“We were focused on Sampdoria but the postponement of that match changed things. At the same time though we still trained and we are preparing for this cycle of games. In the end, we will see what will happen.”
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak in Italy, Inter’s next two games are to be played behind closed doors and Conte spoke on what it is like to be involved in games where this is the case.
“Playing behind closed doors is certainly not nice, in the end football needs the fans. They make the atmosphere and besides the game, that is the most beautiful thing. We are following the decisions made for health reasons but I hope things return to normal as soon as possible.”
The former Italian national team manager then went on to suggest that it is a decisive period for Inter’s season.
“It is a phase which, based on the results, will determine our final position. At the end of this cycle we will see what ambitions we can have and what position we will be in and what situations we will be able to face.”
In conclusion he was asked if he can provide an update on the condition of goalkeeper and club captain Samir Handanovic: “I do not know, I cannot answer that question today.”
