Inter defender Diego Godin discussed the Nerazzurri’s Europa League semi-final clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, the squad and coach Antonio Conte in an interview with Italian broadcaster InterTV earlier today.
“We watched a lot of them, the other match against Basel and we saw videos. They like to hold the ball, they play a lot around the pitch, push up the full-backs and know how to defend deep and counterattack.
“They’re good, they have quality players, we have to be good to go and press and we have to hurt them with our weapons.
“We have a lot of tactics to make a difference and a lot of players who individually can go ahead and punish them. Especially with our forwards who can make the difference.”
The Uruguayan veteran spoke about the relationships within the squad and the atmosphere in the dressing room.
“The squad has always been good, we have a team and a locker room of many guys who are very good and that’s important, I always said that’s the first thing to move forward.
“Good people, good harmony and good players, you can see a nice harmony, that we are happy, in a situation where we want to be, playing in an important competition, the team is doing more and more. We’re doing well physically and mentally, that’s the important thing.”
The former Atletico Madrid defender commented on how he had to adapt to playing less and understanding what role is required of him.
“In my career with my teammates I’ve always tried to have a relationship, that’s a characteristic of me as a person. It’s always easier to be the leader of a team on and off the pitch, this year I played a little less and it was a challenge for me to try to understand what the coach wants, which is totally different from what I’ve been doing for 20 years.”
He highlighted how he has finally started to apply what Conte wants of him and how that’s making a difference for him.
“I’ve had mental and physical change and I’ve learned a lot. It wasn’t easy but I think I’ve found it, I’ve understood what the coach is asking for, how he wants to play and carry the team forward and I think I’ve got that now.
“In that challenge, on the pitch, which was the first thing, it’s easier now. When I can help on and off the pitch with the coach’s tactics, I feel better.”
Godin spoke about whether he would become a coach after his playing career and if not, what else he would do.
“10 years from now, maybe! I love football so much, I’m one of those who watch all the games, I love to learn so much and I’ve learned a lot in different places.
“Football changes dynamically and especially modern football, where all teams play and defend well. I like it, maybe in a few years I can be close to football, I don’t know if I’m a coach, but I like it a lot and I’ll definitely be close to football.”
Finally, Godin spoke about teammate Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 31 goals in 49 appearances so far this season, across all competitions.
“Very important. For us, for our game system, the forwards are the top and everything ends with them. They are very important, if they are well and do what the coach asks, it’s difficult to defend. Lukaku, Lautaro, Alexis, Esposito.
“Lukaku has a lot of qualities individually and I think he grew a lot in this Inter, mentally as well. I’ve seen him before and he’s also grown a lot in his finishing in front of goal and his ball control.
“Romelu can still learn more because he’s young but he’s very strong, complete, he has qualities to play everywhere.”
Inter face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League semi-finals tomorrow evening, in one of the most important games of the season for the squad and for coach Antonio Conte.