Stefan de Vrij feels that Inter Milan were too “slow” against Monza, and must work as a team to stop Man City striker Erling Haaland.

The Dutchman spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 Serie A draw with the Brianzoli, via FCInterNews.

Inter had to settle for a point in their return from the international break.

The Nerazzurri travelled to the U-Power Stadium, but failed to beat Monza.

The result was perhaps not as much of a shock as it looked on paper. Monza had beaten and drawn with Inter during the 2022-23 campaign.

However, there was no sugarcoating Inter’s disappointment after a match that they felt they needed three points from.

Inter actually went behind briefly in the second half of the match.

The Nerazzurri were able to salvage a point. Wingback Denzel Dumfries equalized following some sharp approach play by Joaquin Correa and Carlos Augusto.

But neither Inter nor Monza were able to find a late winner after that.

De Vrij: “Inter Too Slow Vs Monza, Must Stop Haaland As A Team Vs Man City”

In truth, the real damage was done in the first half of this evening’s match.

Inter allowed the pace of the match to lower significantly after a fairly positive start.

And after that, it was not easy for the Nerazzurri to put Monza’s defense under any sort of real pressure until they threw caution to the wind following the Brianzoli’s goal.

“We prepared well for this match over the week,” said Inter defender de Vrij. “It wasn’t easy.”

The Dutchman admitted that “We could have put more pressure on Izzo,” as the defender crossed for Monza’s goal. “We knew they were looking to create that situation.”

“Mota timed his jump, the cross was perfect, and he directed his header well.”

“At times we were a bit too slow, they defended well,” de Vrij said.

“It wasn’t easy to find space when they had everyone behind the ball.”

“We could have moved the ball quicker, and been more precise with the final ball. “We didn’t find the goal, and then we became sluggish in the second half.”

Meanwhile, de Vrij also looked ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Inter face the formidable task of trying to stop City striker Erling Haaland from scoring. The Norwegian has scored nine goals for City so far this season.

“”We have to stop Haaland as a team,” said de Vrij. “We have to limit him.”

“It’s not just him,” added the Inter defender. “He’s scored a lot but they have other players.”