Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski feels that his team played “on par” with Man City in their Champions League draw.
The Polish international spoke to Amazon Prime, via FCInterNews, after the goalless Champions League opener.
Inter had the toughest of assignments to begin their Champions League campaign.
The Nerazzurri travelled to England to face Premier League juggernauts Manchester City at the Etihad.
This was a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final. Inter had acquitted themselves well with their performance in that match – but still ended up losing.
This time around, though, the Nerazzurri managed to go toe-to-toe with City and get a result for their troubles.
It was not the win that Inter will have been hoping for.
The Nerazzurri were not able to turn any of the handful of promising counterattacking situations that they had into goals to take three points.
But at the other end, Inter kept City largely very quiet.
At least until the last few minutes of the match, Inter held the English giants at arm’s length.
Zielinski: “Inter Played On Par With Man City” In Champions League Draw
In the end, the fact that Inter were able to cancel out City was a testament to their level.
After the final whistle, Nerazzurri midfielder Zielinski said that “It was a brilliant match.”
“I thank the coach for the opportunity,” the former Napoli midfielder continued.
Zielinski was making his first ever start for Inter this evening.
“We played on par with one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “It’s a good draw, but we could have even won.”
Of Inter going toe-to-toe with City in the midfield battle, Zielinski said that “The coach prepared us well.”
“Everything started with the forwards, who were the first defenders.”
Zielinski made clear that “I knew that we would have to suffer at times.”
“We have a very strong midfield,” he added. “We gave a great response.”
And as far as his playing time at Inter, Zielinski said that “We have six starting-quality players in midfield.”
“The coach will make the right decisions every match as to who the starting trio is,” Zielinski said.
“We have to always be ready and always give our best.”