Inter central midfielder Nicolo Barella has reflected on his one and only Champions League goal in his career thus far ahead of Inter’s Champions League group stage opener against Borussia Monchengladbach tonight.
“It was very emotional because I was on the bench and I didn’t even expect to come on. So it was a weird feeling,” he explained in an interview with European football’s governing body UEFA‘s official website.
“I think my scream of joy was only strangled because that was an equaliser and not a winning goal. We can say that I was very happy but at the same time also disappointed because we were not able to win.”
He was then asked about the club’s performance in last year’s edition of the Champions League, in which they were knocked out at the group stage.
“I have often said that it was the first year in our growth process, we also arrived achieved important results. Perhaps only the last step was missing.
“In the group stage we played great games against Barcelona and Dortmund but in the end we lost the two away games against these two teams.
“We need to improve on this. When we face the big teams we have to learn to close the games, not leave them open, otherwise we risk going home with a defeat.”
He proceeded to discuss the differences between playing in Serie A and playing in the Champions League.
“The Champions League represents the highest level in Europe, something you understand right from the start.
“There are no simple matches or discounted results. Especially in midfield there is no time to think about what to do, you always have to be ready.
“Maybe it’s easier in Serie A, in the Champions League every match is a final, in the sense that it’s always difficult. And in each game there is a different degree of difficulty.”
Barella then spoke on his footballing idol.
“I have often said that my idol was Dejan Stankovic. I’ve always been a fan of his style of play and his goals especially. He was also a versatile midfielder and had a personal interpretation of all midfield roles. It is something that has always fascinated me.”
He was then asked whether Inter manager Antonio Conte, who was a mezzala like Barella in his playing days, has given him any advice.
“He didn’t give me direct advice on the role, but he has helped me a lot since I arrived. I have become a more complete player.
“I think I have improved in managing the games and I have improved in timing in choosing the plays. In this respect he helped me a lot.”
Barella then reflected on Inter’s Champions League win back in the 2009/10 season.
“Obviously I remember it well. I also watched something on TV recently that talked about those years. It was a fantastic team with many extraordinary players, a team capable of proving that they were the strongest on the pitch in any competition they entered.
“For an Inter fan it was certainly a fantastic season, a great emotion to win the Champions League, the league and the Italian Cup.”
Next he was asked whether he feels there are any similarities between the treble winning side of Jose Mourinho and this Inter side.
“That team was a great team with a lot of amazing players. Not that they are missing from this team, but we will have to show our strength on the pitch. They did it. We will always do our best, always trying to grow.
“My only regret is having returned home this year without the Europa League trophy, but I hope that the time will come to lift a trophy sooner or later.”
He then spoke on what he likes most about this Inter side.
“The group, we are a really good group. We are a nice mix of young and experienced players. We are always ready to help each other for the good of the team.”
In conclusion he discussed the squad depth that Inter have in their team.
“Some great players have arrived. Some others have returned after doing well in other teams. The starting line-up will be decided by the coach, but a deep bench can certainly help in difficult games and situations.
“There will be lots of close matches in different competitions, so there will be room for everyone to play and help out.”