Inter defender Federico Dimarco believes the team will have to play their own game in the Champions League final, despite the strength of Manchester City. The two sides square off on Saturday, with City the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy for the first time in the clubs history. Speaking in a press conference in the build up to the match, Dimarco talked about the importance of the game, and why it’s a dream for Inter to win the Champions League, but an obsession for their opponents:
What does it mean to you to be able to experience a Champions League final as a protagonist?
“Inter’s history speaks, it doesn’t happen every day. It is an incredible thing and we are really proud of ourselves.”
What is the mood in the locker room?
“We are so happy to have reached this milestone, we deserved it on the pitch and we know we are meeting a strong team. For us to win this trophy is a dream, for them an obsession.”
How are you?
“With Torino we decided together with the coach to sit out as a precautionary measure.”
What changes based on who plays in attack?
“We will have to play our game, as Inter. I don’t think it’s only the attack, we are a strong team and we have shown it on the way.”
This is the strongest team you’ll meet.
“We know they are among the best in Europe. I think Inter has to be Inter, if we do that we can take some satisfaction.”
Where can a team like City be attackable?
“So far we have been thinking about the league, from now on we will look at City and see how we can get them there.”
What needs to be done to come back with no regrets?
“We have to throw our hearts over the hurdle. We have to be Inter: if we do ‘Inter’ we can achieve great results.”
Do dreams win or do obsessions win?
“I think winning is everyone’s dream. We will go there to play our cards.”
What grade do you give to your path in the Champions League?
“Grades are given at the end of the journey, at the moment I would not give any grade. I say to the fans that we will go there to give everything, we will spit blood and try to give our all until the game is over.”
Lukaku said that according to many players in the ‘triplete’., you have the same spirit. Do you agree?
“Maybe, however, they were still two different paths. Inter in 2010 was a strong team: so are we, but they had a lot of experienced players, maybe used to such matches like Eto’o. We on the other hand are a young group, a great group, we are living this dream that will come true on June 10 in Istanbul, hopefully with a great result.”
When did the perception change about Inter, and in Inter?
“When you go through a round like that with Bayern and Barcelona, it’s not for everyone. Then it’s normal that predictions change, we have met strong teams like Porto, Benfica, Milan: we have shown that we have deserved this final and we will play it as equals.”
Have you watched Madrid 2010 again in the last few days? What memories do you have?
“Actually it’s not from the last few days, I’ve been watching it for 10 years…. The best memories Milito’s goals and when Zanetti raised the cup.”
You started as a young boy, you have come a long way….
“The emotions are many, now we are here preparing for this match that is the most important in Europe. I am happy, I have worked hard.”
How do you experience the night before the games?
“I sleep well, then we lock ourselves in a room in 6-7 and have fun. The next day we go to the field and give it our all.”
