Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi stressed the importance of another clean sheet following a UEFA Champions League win against RB Leipzig.
During his post-match interview via FCInterNews, Inzaghi addressed Inter’s chances of securing automatic knockout qualification.
“I wouldn’t have this certainty, we have to see tomorrow’s results,” he stated.
“Even 16 points may not be enough.
“We have to see what happens tomorrow then there will be three games left, one in December and two in January.
“We have to continue on our path without making calculations, today was a key game for us.”
Inzaghi also offered his verdict on the newly formatted league phase.
“The new Champions League format matters a lot, both as an effort for the coaches,” he continued.
“Before, you had to prepare for three matches against the same opponent, now you need to prepare for eight in a day and a half.
“We came back from Verona and had one training session and a quick warm-up to face Leipzig.”
Inter Milan Boss Simone Inzaghi Outlines Significance of Another European Clean Sheet
“That’s huge, especially for the boys,” Inzaghi insisted. They’ve rotated, especially in Manchester, and they really wanted this standing.
“They deserve it, knowing we still need to secure a few more points because one more goal or a goal conceded can change everything.
“But I’m happy with the maturity the boys have shown. Leipzig has nothing to do with this standing; until Saturday, they had the best defense in the Bundesliga.
“We played against a team of great quality.”
On the importance of maintaining defensive solidity, Inzaghi said: “Clearly, it matters a lot.
“We have a great goal difference. But we’ll need to calculate everything on the last matchday when looking at the goal difference.
“The boys know that one more goal or one less can change your position in the standings.”
Simone Inzaghi Praises Piotr Zielinski & Yann Bisseck
Piotr Zielinski returned to the starting line-up at the expense of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“Very good,” Inzaghi reflected on the Pole’s performance.
“I don’t like to talk about individuals, but he played very well.
“I had to take off a midfielder; everyone was doing well, but Calhanoglu had a small issue, so I took him off.
“They all gave us a big hand.”
Meanwhile, Yann Bisseck joined the fray on the stroke of halftime, replacing the injured Benjamin Pavard.
“He’s continuing to grow. Today I could have waited a bit longer to let him warm up properly,” Inzaghi hailed the youngster.
“But I didn’t know how much recovery time would be given.
“So, he came on cold at the end of the first half and did very well, then warmed up at halftime. He needs to keep doing that.”