Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marott admits that Man City are favourites in the Champions League final next month, but feels that the Nerazzurri have complete self-belief that they can play for the trophy.
Speaking to Italian journalist Gianni Beraldo on his YouTube channel, the Nerazzurri CEO gave his thoughts on the final.
Inter will know just what they’re up against in Istanbul next month.
Man City are widely regarded as, if not Europe’s best team, certainly one of the top two or three.
The Cityzens thrashed Champions League holders Real Madrid 4-0 on their way to the final. Moreover, Pep Guardiola’s men have seen off Arsenal to win the Premier League for the fifth time in six seasons.
On the other hand, however, Inter have already shown what they can do in the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri have overcome Barcelona, Porto, Benfica, and AC Milan to get to this point.
Inter CEO Marotta: Man City Favourites, But We’ll Play For It
Of what being in the final means to Inter, Marott said that “For us it’s a source of great pride.”
“We’ll be there fully deservedly, and knowing that we’re up against a team who are favourites. An opponent who deserve great respect.”
“But owe know that we can play for it until the end,” he continued. “With a great feeling of belonging in these colours and this shirt.”
Of what managing a club like Inter entails, Marotta explained that “There must be two objectives.”
“On the one hand, the enhancement of material resources,” he continued. “In other words the commercial sector, matchday revenues, and all sources of revenue such as sponsorships.”
“On the other hand,” he continued, “the enhancement of human resources. A vital asset to achieve competitiveness, needing competence, experience, and professionalism.”
Of the role that agents play in football, Marotta said that “It’s only natural that the figure of the agent took shape after law 81/91 went into force regarding football professionalism,” referring to the regulation around collective bargaining rights for players in Italy.
Marotta described agents as “Professional figures who are necessary in the negotiations between clubs and players.”
And the Inter CEO also fielded a question about the importance of youth academies in modern football. “They’re fundamental, ” he said of academies. “In terms of training talent. We need to move forward treating them as investments, and not as costs.”
