Inter manager Antonio Conte has revealed that he is satisfied with the mentality shown by his team following their Champions League group stage match away to reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema capitalised on a poor Achraf Hakimi back pass to give the hosts the lead, which was doubled soon after by Sergio Ramos. Inter managed to pull things level thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Ivan Perisic but Inter ended up with nothing from this game due to a late goal from Real Madrid substitute Rodrygo.
“For better and for worse, this is my Inter,” the former Italian national team boss explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, following the full time whistle in the Spanish capital.
“I think you also need these steps to grow and I don’t know how many teams have come here to Madrid, play this type of football, come back from 2-0 down after giving away the goals, recovered and had chances to win before their third goal.
“The results recently are certainly not giving the lads what they deserve for their efforts, but do prove that details can change a game.
“There was a back-pass and I think Mendy fouled Hakimi before that. On the set play, we should’ve marked in much more determined fashion.
“The mentality with which we are facing all the matches leaves me satisfied, I see an exponential growth from all points of view. Real Madrid talked about this match as a final and usually don’t slip up in them, so we came up against an opponent who were fired up. It is a penalising result.”
Conte, who is now into his second season in charge of Inter, was asked if quality makes a difference in matches like this one.
“There are no shortcuts. Inter are on their way. If we look at the past year, we have grown a lot on a European level.
“Let’s look at the three games in this group, we have been a team that is convinced against anyone. Important steps to understand where and how are needed and we need improve in everything but there is a lot of bitterness, i risultati ci stanno dicendo male.”
In conclusion the former Juventus midfielder was asked if the details can be trained.
“At these levels, the details change the result. There are three games left, there are nine points available and we can play for qualification to the next round.
“With a little more luck, we can bring home a positive result. We must continue to work and know that this is the right path. Coming here to Madrid and playing this match means there is work and trust.”
