Inter captain Samir Handanovic discussed the Nerazzurri’s Europa League semi-final clash against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia earlier today.
“We face a team with quality. Courage, compactness will be fundamental.”
He spoke about the differences between the other teams that the Milanese club have faced in this competition and Shakhtar.
“So far, we’ve faced different teams. Getafe didn’t seem like a Spanish team because of the way they approached the match, Leverkusen have a different system of play than the Ukrainians.
“In my opinion Shakhtar are a stronger team than the others we’ve faced so far.”
The 36-year-old Slovenian shot stopper reflected upon the Nerazzurri’s season and how the squad has grown throughout the season.
“The team has grown together, match after match and also during training. The more you play together the better, individually and as a collective. The team then winning is more stable, winning always helps.”
Finally, Handanovic spoke about how he feels the night before the semi-finals.
“They’re always the same emotions, it doesn’t change much for me. In general, I like playing football and I can’t wait to take to the pitch tomorrow.”
The 36-year-old Handanovic, who is contracted to Inter until the end of next season, is set to be the club’s starting goalkeeper for next season as well, as the club’s management desperately search for an adequate long-term replacement for the captain, who is likely to retire with the Milanese club.
Handanovic has made 46 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 4140 minutes. In that time, he has conceded 45 goals and kept 15 clean sheets.
