Inter Wingback Matteo Darmian: “Romelu Lukaku’s Absence Not An Excuse, We All Have To Take Responsibility”

Inter wingback Matteo Darmian feels that no matter what, the team cannot use injuries as an excuse for their difficulties finding form this season.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League group stage clash, as reported by FCInterNews, the 32-year-old gave his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s massive match and also stressed that the absence of Romelu Lukaku cannot excuse the start to the season.

Inter go into tomorrow’s match once against having to cope without Lukaku, a player who they will have expected to be able to rely on particular for such massive European nights.

However, the team did well both domestically and in Europe last season, and this start to the season is not something that can simply be explained away as struggling to cope without the Belgian.

Darmian gave his thoughts on the matter, stating that “We certainly know that Romelu is important for us, but we have very good players in attack and his absence must not be made into an excuse.”

“Now we’re waiting to have him back because he has to recover back to his best and his trying to do so as soon as possible,” he added.

“When he’s available he’ll make his contribution,” he continued of the Belgian, “but in the meantime we must do well to make up for his absence, but it shouldn’t be a problem because we have very good forwards.”

Of tomorrow’s match, Darmian said that “We know that tomorrow will be as important as it is difficult.”

“It will take a lot of determination and attention,” he continued, “they have quality players they are a very strong team.”

“But we are as well and we have to prove it,” he stressed.

The wingback predicted “A difficult match given the quality of the opponent, but we’re Inter and every time we have try our utmost to win and tomorrow’s now different.”

“It’s true that this is the most difficult moment we’ve had, but we must accept the responsibility to give even more.”

As to whether the team talk amongst themselves about this bad form, Darmian opined that “I don’t think there’s much to talk about.”

“We’re aware that we must be the first to accept our responsibility and give something extra.”

“It’s normal that there are errors,” he continued, “we all make mistakes but we must do well to react.”

Asked if he thinks the team is getting complacent based on the number of times they’ve lost matches in which they’ve previously led, Darmian replied “I don’t think so, I don’t think we’re a group that takes anything for granted.”

“On the contrary, we’re united and we have a strong desire to get past this moment as soon as possible.”

“Then we must do our best to understand the moments in matches and make them go 0ur way,” Darmian suggested.

“I think we have a desire to put things back in place, and to try to do so as soon as possible,” he went on.

“We have to keep our heads clear and do the things that we know how to do, and not get carried away by the emotions of the match, just play our game for ninety minutes.”

“We have to face Barcelona with respect,” the wingback went on, “they have great players who can decide the match at any moment.”

“But this can also be a great opportunity for us,” Darmian closed.