Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu feels that the Nerazzurri have their own fate entirely in their hands in the Champions League.

Speaking to InterTV ahead of this evening’s group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg, via FCInterNews, the Turkish international gave his thoughts on the prospects of the knockouts.

Inter still have work to do if they want to reach the Champions Leaguye knockouts for the third season running.

But there’s no doubt that a place in the round of sixteen is getting closer and closer.

Inter took a step in that direction with each of their past two matches in the group stage.

Wins against Benfica and Salzburg at the San Siro have seen the Nerazzurri within one result of securing their spot in the next round.

Ten points would put Inter mathematically out of reach for both the Portuguese and Austrian champions.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad have already booked their place in the knockout rounds.

And Inter will certainly be hoping to do the same this evening.

Making such short work of what had looked like a very tricky group when it was drawn would be a significant achievement for the Nerazzurri.

Moreover, it would allow Inter some breathing room after the international break. Simone Inzaghi’s team face tough Serie A away matches against Juventus and Napoli.

But at the same time, the Nerazzurri won’t want to get ahead of themselves.

There is still this evening’s match in Austria. There is every chance that it will be even more difficult than facing Salzburg at the San Siro.

Hakan Calhanoglu: Inter Have Champions League Knockouts In Their Own Hands

“We’re ready,” Calhanoglu said ahead of this evening’s match.

“We know it will be tough playing away,” he went on.

“But our statistics are good playing away from home. It’ll be a tough atmosphere. But we’re ready.”

“We have to stay focused for ninety minutes because today the small details will make the difference,” Calhanoglu continued.

“And in my opinion it will depend on us.”

The Turkish former AC Milan midfielder made clear that “We have everything in our hands.”

And regarding his defensive improvements, Calhanoglu said that “I always give everything on the pitch.”

“I always say that and I will always say it.”

He went on that “I will always try to give my best and improve on the pitch.”

“I thank the coaching staff, because they’re helping me a lot and I’m growing,” the midfielder added.