Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana feels that the Nerazzurri will need to show all their character in this evening’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Benfica.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, the 27-year-old gave the view that the team are ready for what awaits them at the Estadio da Luz, and stressed that they will need to show “courage and personality” against the Portuguese high-flyers.
Inter face a crucial juncture in the context of their season in Lisbon.
The Nerazzurri can take a big step towards booking their place in the final four of Europe’s top competition with the right result.
However, on the other hand, if Inter do not play the kind of match that they need to then they run the risk of seeing an adventure that has already seen them dump the likes of Barcelona and Porto out of the competition come to and end.
For his part, Onana has little apprehension, and the Cameroonian form Ajax man is confident and convinced that the team arrive at this moment with the right preparations.
However, the 27-year-old admits that he and his teammates will have to dig down deep if they are to get the better of a Benfica team who have proven to be one of the most formidable in both their domestic league and in Europe.
“I think we’ll need to have courage and a lot of personality,” Onana said of what the Nerazzurri will need to get the best out of this evening’s match.
“We’re playing against a strong side who have excellent players,” he continued.
The Cameroonian anticipated that It will be tough, but I’m confident – it’s only the first leg, there’s also the return leg which will be at San Siro, which is always something very important for us.”
As for playing against the intense pressure of this Benfica side, Onana said that “We’ve come here ready for it, and then beyond that there’s nothing for me to see, you’ll see it on the pitch.”
