Stefan Effenberg names Inter Milan as one of the main challengers for the Champions League trophy this season.
The Nerazzurri went all the way to the final in the previous edition. They locked horns with Man City in the final held in Istanbul.
Despite coming extremely close on many occasions, Simone Inzaghi’s men failed to score. Instead, it was Rodri who secured the Cityzens’ maiden European triumph with a 68th-minute winner.
Nevertheless, the Italian giants will try again this season. They resume their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16.
As for Effenberg, he considers the Serie A leaders as a genuine contender for the European throne, even if Real Madrid remain the ultimate favorites in his book.
“The number one favorite is Real Madrid,” said the Bayern Munich legend in his interview with Kicker via FcInterNews.
“However, I also have Inter on my radar. The Nerazzurri are hungry, they have a really strong squad and they want to confirm what they achieved last season.
“Then I put Manchester City and Bayern Munich.”
The former Germany midfielder explains how modern football no longer emphasizes individual skills but rather focuses on the collective.
He believes that this factor can play in the Nerazzurri’s favor.
“I think that superstars are no longer as important as they were in the days of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The team that was a stronger collective has a bigger chance of winning. This is why I see Inter much further ahead.”
