Inter coach Antonio Conte has admitted that he does not like the fact that his team-mates, members of the Champions League Group Two, Real Madrid, lost their opening match in the group stage against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 13-time UEFA Champions League winners surprisingly lost to Ukraine 3-2 before Inter and Borussia Moenchengladbach drew 2-2 in the San Siro.
“Given Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League, he is always rightfully considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.
“One has to think clearly and objectively that when they are in one group, a place is actually occupied by Real,” he explained to the media grouped at The press conference after the match After the sabbatical in San Siro.
“Frankly, it’s a result that I don’t personally like, but I knew the difficulties Real Madrid might face.
“We met Shakhtar a few months ago. They have very good players in singles situations, and today they won the match even with a few players.”
Conte proceeded to ask if he was concerned about the somewhat paradoxical trend of having seen Inter react after making odd and systematic mistakes.
“I look at the stats again and realize that Borussia scored twice on goal and scored twice. I don’t remember Handanovic saved any saves.
“I cannot be dissatisfied with the players’ performance, but I am sorry that we have to improve individual situations as well.
“Today I find it difficult to comment on this draw. We played at a high rate, and German teams are playing these games at a high pace.
“If we had had the opportunity to intervene in crucial moments, around 65, we might have raised the level of energy and intensity that decreased at that moment but the boys should be praised because they face very few situations to do with football.”
He also admitted that he was not sure how the other parties would deal with what Inter had to deal with before the match, as right-back Ashraf Hakimi was confirmed to have been infected with the COVID-19 virus.
“What happened to us today, I do not know what effect this would have on the other teams, they did not find excuses, they entered the stadium and were good. Let us not forget that Hakimi trained with us also today, as we suddenly learned at five in the morning that we were positive for the emerging corona virus.”
In conclusion, he was asked whether or not he was concerned about the COVID-19 situation and injuries before the upcoming matches.
“It is definitely not the ideal situation the coach wants, also because there are splits that have nothing to do with sports and football.
“ But as I told the boys, we should try to sharpen our teeth even if we’re pushing something from an energy point of view.
“We have to face the situation with our heads raised. We are still facing difficulties unrelated to football. I repeat, I am proud of these men for what they do.”
