Inter manager Antonio Conte has revealed that he is happy with what he saw from his team in tonight’s 2-0 Europa League success over Getafe.
Romelu Lukaku gave Inter the lead in the first half and second half substitute Christian Eriksen doubled Inter’s lead near the end of the game. With this victory, Inter have advanced to the quarter finals where they will face either Rangers or Bayer Leverkusen.
“We knew just how difficult the match would be. They started stronger and we made a mistake immediately with a ball from De Vrij. They were going for the second ball and tried to make the game physical.
“They were stronger at the beginning, but we got the game in hand and started to pass the ball around,” he explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, a short while after the match at the Veltins-Arena
“We expected it to be a ‘dirty’ game and we were not afraid to get dirty with them. That’s a great sign, as it’s that determination to get stuck in and fight for every ball, something we missed at times this season.
“Progressing in Europe is also a chance to gain experience. I’m happy with the performance.”
He was then asked about the importance of top goalscorer Lukaku to the team.
“We could’ve had an even better scoreline. Romelu scored a great goal, attacking the space with the other striker moving towards him. I think Romelu took a while to get into the game but I like what I saw him from, Lautaro and Sanchez.
“It was a positive evening, I am glad that the lads proved they want to keep going and aren’t ready to go on holiday yet.”
Conte then went on to discuss the signing of Alexis Sanchez, which Inter chief executive Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Marotta revealed would be announced tomorrow, and praised the club for managing to get a deal done to keep the Chilean at the club.
“I think the Alexis Sanchez move is a great one made by the club. Considering the conditions we managed to get Alexis in, it was a really good transfer.
“He had come off two years when he was really struggling at Manchester United, then he got this injury with us and we took the time to get him back on track, so it’s only right that we are now able to reap the rewards of that effort. I applaud the club
In conclusion the former Italian national team boss was asked if he is now more calm and he also sang the praises of January transfer window Eriksen, who scored his fourth goal for the club.
“It is a question of work, not of serenity. I am calm when I see the guys with this desire, with this nastiness. We are becoming a tough team and they are all involved.
“They are all involved in the project, like Eriksen. I am happy for Christian like everyone else. He needs a situation to go his way and suddenly everything seems positive.
“He’s a good lad, he knows I make choices for the good of Inter, but the fact he immediately got into the game and scored is important. Christian is part of the Inter squad, he is adapting and settling in.”
