Simone Inzaghi: 'We have respect, but no fear'
A very big day to come on Montjuïc on Wednesday. FC Barcelona host Inter Milan (9.00pm CEST) for the UEFA Champions League semifinals. As is the norm, the nerazzurri visited Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and set foot on the pitch for Wednesday's game. Coach Simone Inzaghi and forward Lautaro Martínez also faced the media in the pre-match press conference.
Inzaghi: "We are excited about what we have done and what is to come"
The Italian emphasised how important the game is to them, despite recent poor results: "It's not been positive over the past week, but the team is fine and ready to go". He also highlighted that they will have to be "brave and clean" because Barça play "from midfield towards the front". "We will have to try to stop their attacks and defend as a team" the nerazzurri coach assured.
When it came to Marcus Thuram, who is a doubt for the game, he said: "He completed the first training session with the team and looked good, but we'll have to assess it on Wednesday morning".
While he defined Barça as "possibly the best team at present", he also spoke highly of Hansi Flick, stating that "He is a great coach who has really organised an offensive team". Also of Lamine Yamal, going on to say that "He is unique at the moment. He works for the entire team. He will be a target to defend against on Wednesday". However, he confirmed that they have "great respect, but no fear".
Lautaro Martínez: "The group has worked very hard and I feel confident"
When it came to Lautaro Martínez, the Argentinian forward assured that "We are ready, we have worked very hard, and we come here to show great character when we play the game". Regarding the recent poor results, he stated that "We had got used to winning, so it hurts more, but the group is fine and together, I think we have a strong group for Wednesday's game".
Regarding the blaugranes, the nerazzurri captain highlighted their "goalscoring power". "We will have to work very hard defensively. Try to avoid them having goalscoring opportunities", affirmed Martínez. Just like his coach, he also assessed the role of Lamine Yamal, stating he "has a very big future and is a great player".