Inter club captain and number one goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has insisted that he and his Nerazzurri teammates always have a desire to do well regardless of the match ahead of this evening’s Champions League group stage opener against Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach.
“There is a great desire to do well, as always. It is not only the case for the Champions League but also in matches in training,” he explained in an interview with Inter’s official club broadcaster Inter TV, which was broadcast late last night.
The Slovenian shot-stopper then went on to reflect on Inter’s past two years competing in the Champions League in which the Nerazzurri failed to get out of the group stage on both occasions.
“Great experiences and excellent matches, but also little continuity like with Barcelona and Dortmund last year.
“We played well both years, we missed a little to get through the round and we have to bring back what we have done well. Another spirit is needed to start strong and pass the group stage. It is our goal.”
Next he was asked about what are the biggest dangers in this evening’s match: “They have been playing together for two or three years, they know what they want.
“They press and run, they have quality in attack. Those are their strengths.”
In conclusion, the 36-year-old discussed the importance of the small details when playing in the Champions League.
“They are always important, in every role and in every player. They are the ones who move the games, positive or negative but that’s the beauty of the Champions League. The best teams in Europe are there and the level is raised.”
Inter are in group B which also features Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk, both of whom they will face in the coming weeks in the first round of the group stage.