Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi does not agree with some of the persistent criticisms of his style from Arrigo Sacchi.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of tomorrow evening’s Champions League clash with Benfica, as reported by FCInterNews, Inzaghi responded to the former AC Milan coach’s criticisms, as well as looking ahead to tomorrow’s match.
One figure in football who has been a persistent critic of Inzaghi’s tactics as Inter coach has been former Milan coach Sacchi.
The former Rossoneri coach has not denied that Inzaghi has enjoyed major success as Nerazzurri boss.
But the crux of Sacchi’s criticism has been that Inter do not play a team game under Inzaghi in his view.
He persistently argues that the Nerazzurri coach’s style is reliant more on individual brilliance.
But for his part, Inzaghi himself does not see it the same way. He responded to the criticisms that Sacchi has made of his style.
Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi Responds To Criticism From Arrigo Sacchi
As far as Sacchi’s criticisms go, Inzaghi was diplomatic but clear.
“We have different views, but everyone is free to express their opinion,” he said.
“I’m satisfied with the path that I’ve been on here. I’ll always give everything.”
As far as the team’s approach during this season, Inzaghi said that “Last match [against Salernitana] we began very well.”
“We played well for twenty minutes,” he continued. “Creating many situations with which we could have takemn the lead.”
“And then we had to defend more as a team, and in the second half we played better.”
“It wasn’t easy after the defeat against Sassuolo,” he noted.
Update On Fitness Of Juan Cuadrado
Inzaghi also spoke about the fitness of wingback Juan Cuadrado.
The 35-year-old has missed several matches with tendinitis. But reportedly he could be back to face Benfica tomorrow.
“He trained today,” Inzaghi said of Cuadrado.
“He’s in full training with the group after having trained separately,” he said of the Colombian. “He’ll be called up.”
“And then I still have to make my assessments as far as who will play from the start.”
“We were without him after the first matches, and I’m counting on him in the next matches,” the Inter coach said of Cuadrado.
Sensi & Frattesi To Miss Benfica Clash
Inzaghi also updated on the fitness of two other players, midfielders Stefano Sensi and Davide Frattesi.
“They won’t be in the team tomorrow,” the coach said of the pair.
“Sensi has an issue, and we’ll have him back after the international break.”
“With Frattesi, we’re evaluating whether or not he can be available for Bologna.”
The coach noted that “There was some hope that he’d be available for this match. But along with the medical staff we decided to delay his return.”
Inter Coach Inzaghi Looks Ahead To Benfica Match
Inter faced tomorrow’s opposition already towards the back end of last season. The Nerazzurri beat the Portuguese side in the Champions League quarterfinals.
As far as the changes he expects compared to that team, Inzaghi said that “There’s a new goalkeeper.”
“They also have Di Maria. The centre-forwards alternate in attack.”
“They’ve changed some of the players, but their principles remain the same.”
“We know that a very intense match will be necessary, because they’re an excellent team.”
Of Benfica’s opening day defeat against Red Bull Salzburg, Inzaghi said that “They lost the first match undeservedly.”
“They created a lot, they found himself up against an organized team with a lot of running in them in the form of Salzburg.”
“It will be a very balanced group, because of the teams from the fourth pot Real Sociedad were the one to avoid along with Newcastle, and we saw why that is firsthand.”
“It’s one of the most balanced groups,” the Inter coach added.
