Simone Inzaghi on Real Madrid: “They know how to use the space and find areas in behind”

Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi spoke to the press today ahead of his team’s Group D Champions League clash against Real Madrid, which takes place tomorrow night.

Inazghi spoke about Real Madrid’s strengths and potential weaknesses, as well as key factors for tomorrow’s game.

On Inter’s Champions League experience

“Experience is crucial in these games. Ever since the draw, we’ve known that as well as Real Madrid there are two other teams that will do everything they can to cause us problems. We’ve recovered after the Sampdoria match and we’re preparing well for the Real Madrid game. They have a lot of history, a great coach and great players. We want to do our best.”

On what type of game can be expected

“Sunday was a setback that left us disappointed, but we were a man light in the final 20 minutes, which was the most intense part of the game. With [Luka] Modric back, Real Madrid’s passing game is very good. They know how to use the space and find areas in behind – we need to make sure that we keep the ball well when we have it and make our opponents do as much running as possible.”

On facing fellow Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti

“Carlo is one of the must successful coaches ever. I’ve had the chance to talk football with him in the past. He gets his teams really well-organised, so we’ll need to produce the perfect performance.”

On stopping Vinicius Jr

“He’s in great form – that’s true – but we can’t just focus on one player. They have a lot of talented footballers.”

On Real Madrid’s strength

“They’re obviously very well-organised. We’ve analysed their first four games this season. Ancelotti’s teams have great attacking play but they’re also very well set up in defence. They can punish you at any time.”