Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu feels his team would have earned more than a point against Man City had the clash taken place at San Siro.
The Nerazzurri started their Champions League campaign in a major tilt against the Premier League champions.
Simone Inzaghi’s men returned home with a goalless draw following a gutsy display.
In the competition’s new format, each participant takes on eight different opponents in one-off fixtures in the group stage.
Like every other side in the tournament, Inter will play four times at home and four on the road. As it happened, the contest against Manchester City took place at the Etihad Stadium.
For his part, Calhanoglu was satisfied with the display, but argues his team would have beaten Pep Guardiola’s men at the Giuseppe Meazza.
“We told each other to have fun, because playing against a strong team like this requires the right spirit,” revealed the former AC Milan star in his post-match interview with Inter TV via FcInterNews.
“Everyone expected a warmer atmosphere. In fact, I think we would have brought home the victory at San Siro.
“The atmosphere wasn’t what we expected, but that’s okay. Now we just have to focus on ourselves and look forward.”
“We could have won but I think everyone is happy with the point. We played well, united on the pitch and that was what we needed after Monza.
“Apart from failing to score we are happy with this point. We played very well at the back.”
For Calhanoglu, the Derby della Madonnina is always a special occasion for obvious reasons. Therefore, he urges his teammates to shift their focus towards Sunday’s big showdown.
“We’re Absolutely more motivated now. The derby is always a special match and we want to continue winning.
“Today we’re resting, but tomorrow we’ll start preparing for it.”