The Nerazzurri want to be “among the leading teams” in the Champions League, according to Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta. Ahead of Wednesday’s crucial matchup with Arsenal, Marotta shared his thoughts with reporters via FCInterNews regarding his team’s aspirations in Europe.
Inter has become into a powerful force in the Champions League in recent years. Following their triumph in the 2009–10 season as part of the European Treble, the Nerazzurri had found it difficult to establish themselves in Europe’s premier club competition. However, from 2021–2022, Inter has advanced to the Champions League knockout stages each season. And in the 2022-23 campaign, the Nerazzurri went as far as the final of the competition. They fell against Manchester City there by a slim margin of 0–1.
When Inter lost to Atletico Madrid in the round of sixteen last season, it was a major letdown and even a surprise, which is in some ways a monument to how far they have gone in Europe. Inter wants to rank among the top teams in the Champions League, says Marotta.
Across three matches in the “league phase” of this season’s newly-revamped Champions League, Inter have yet to lose or concede a goal.
The Nerazzurri began their campaign in the competition with a hard-fought draw away to City, the team that beat them in the final in 2023.
And then a 4-0 thrashing of Red Star Belgrade followed.
Inter left it late against Young Boys. They needed a stoppage time goal from Marcus Thuram to take three points against the Swiss side.
And now this week, Inter will host another Premier League juggernaut, in the form of Arsenal.
And Inter’s President Marotta insisted that “Inter want to play a leading role” in the Champions League.
“You always have to try and give your best in all competitions at this club,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marotta also gave his thoughts on the tough run of fixtures Inter have been in the midst of since the October international break.
“Clearly when you have a run like this, it uses up a huge amount of energy.”
“So there’s no doubt that a certain drop in the level can come with that,” the Inter President admitted.
“But it’s up to the coach to manage that,” Marotta said.
“And he’s doing a great job of that. Particularly in terms of motivating the players.”
He’s maintaining a determined approach across all the matches,” the Nerazzurri President praised his coach Simone Inzaghi. “Because all opposition are formidable.”
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