Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen this evening when speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference with statement reported by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
First, he discussed what changes he’d make compared to the way he approached the game against Spanish side Getafe last week.
“Every team has their own characteristics, when we talked about Getafe we said that they were a very temperamental team and so we had to be good at using those same skills.
“We were good at responding hit for hit and going into into an area where they have always been successful. Bayer Leverkusen have several talents, you have to be careful not to suffer a counter attack because they are lethal.
“At the same time, we have to play our game using our characteristics, doing what we know how to do to put them in trouble.”
The 51-year-old Italian coach commented on the forward options available to him, and the success of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku this season.
“I think that if the team does well, Romelu, Lautaro and even Alexis, plus Esposito when he was available, have always done well. The skill of the individuals depends on the context of the team, the support that the team gives.
“His great season is thanks to the team, how they are supporting him. Lautaro is also having a great season, remember that he has been at the centre of rumours.
“Congratulations should be paid to them but also to the work of the team. I’m happy with Lukaku’s settling in, helped by the fact that he has found good guys with whom he has formed a beautiful relationship.”
The former Juventus and Chelsea coach spoke about how far the team can go in this competition and the mentality that they’re bringing.
“Surely you have to be positive, we work hard every day for the maximum goal. It goes from there to actually reaching that, though.
“We shouldn’t have complaints, we have to give everything and if everything will be enough to get the final victory, we will all be happy, otherwise we will stop where it is right to stop but without complaints.”
Finally, Conte spoke about how Juventus have appointed his former player Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the club. Former coach Maurizio Sarri was dismissed by the Bianconeri last week after the club’s elimination from the Champions League.
“I’m certainly very happy for Andrea, in addition to what he has given me in football, he is an exceptional person for whom I have great affection.
“For the rest this thing that players I used to coach have become coaches makes me think I’m getting old.”
Inter will face Bayer Leverkusen this evening in the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf.
