Former Inter midfielder Lothar Matthaus has stated that he does not strongly admire any of the current Inter or Napoli players, according to a report in the Italian print media today.
Speaking during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the match between the two sides, the ex-Germany midfielder explained that the collective is more impressive than the individuals now.
“Honestly, there aren’t any players I particularly admire, neither from one side nor the other. In both cases it is the collective that emerges. There is no Matthäus or Maradona.”
He also went on to say that Romelu Lukaku was a difference maker for Inter but now they lack that sort of player, despite referencing Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez.
“I liked Lukaku, he was one who made the difference, his sale was heavy. With Lautaro and Dzeko there are good players, but none who always make a difference.”
In terms of the title race and the match on Sunday at San Siro in particular, Lothar Matthaus feels that Inter need to win more because of the seven point gap. He also feels Juventus are too far away now to be involved.
“Inter, given the standings, need to win more. I doubt that Juventus can re-enter the title race, they are too far away.”
The ex-Bayern Munich player also reminisced about the time he spent at Inter and the quality of the division at the time.
“In my day the Scudetto was disputed between different teams: from Verona to Inter, 5 clubs won it in 5 years. That was balance, that was uncertainty.
“Now it is a long time since there is a fight for the title. Football was more exciting for the fans. It was the most competitive championship in the world. It was an honour to participate. One week you played against Van Basten, the next against Maradona, then Baggio, Vialli and Mancini.
“It was exciting to be able to compete with these champions. The years I lived in Italy were the best, from an emotional and professional point of view.”
