Former Inter midfielder Luis Antonio Jimenez believes that Inter have what it takes to be able to mount a Serie A title challenge next season.
“I think in my two years with the club it was the strongest Inter team of the last twenty years. In fact, the year after the Nerazzurri won the Champions League. The team was made up of 30 players, all top players,” he explained in an interview with Italian news outlet Super News.
Jimenez proceeded to share his belief that the overall level of Italian football was higher back then and that now following a few down years, Italian football is on the rise again.
“In general, the level of Italian football at that time was higher. In my opinion, there was a collapse, also at an economic level, which pushed the strongest players to choose other leagues, such as La Liga or the Premier League.
“However, I believe that Italian football is regaining its former level today. Going back to Inter, it was a wonderful experience for me to have played with incredible players.”
Next the now 36-year-old spoke on one of the trophies that he won during his stint at the club, the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana, which Inter won against Roma after a penalty shoot-out, which Jimenez stepped up and scored in.
“Was I tense before taking the penalty? Yes. It was a very special penalty because if I had not scored we would not have won the game. If I had made a mistake we would have lost.
“It was a great feeling and a feeling that remains with you forever. That was a nice group of players and that made Inter stronger than other teams.”
Next the current Club Deportivo Palestino player spoke on how hard it was to get into the starting line-up in that Inter team.
“It was a constant struggle to gain a place in the starting line-up but it was healthy competition. When a team have a very close squad, it is easier to achieve goals and have success.”
He then went on to share his views on modern day Inter and whether Antonio Conte’s side have any limitations. The Chilean also shared when he thinks Inter will be able to fight for the Serie A title.
“I consider the team to be a gritty and a team which needs consistency. Often they play some great games, only to suffer a drop in performance in the following games.
“Conte is working on it, year after year, and I am sure that the Nerazzurri will be able to fight for the Scudetto next year.”