Inter Milan manager Rafael Benitez has urged his team to play with more intensity and the right attitude against FC Twente and not worry about the opponents if they hope to start their Champions League defence on the right note.
The European champions will travel to the Netherlands for the Spaniard’s first match in charge of his new team in the competition and Benitez admitted that he is beginning to see the team form in his image.
“After a month and a half of work we are beginning to see some progress and improvements, but I want to see more,” Benitez told the club’s official website.
“We have studied Twente. They play good and intense football and it will be crucial to face them with the right mentality because they will want to celebrate their first game in the Champions League.
“But the most important thing is us. If we do well we can win the match. I don’t like talking about opponents much or adapting to them. The important thing is us and what we do, and this goes for tomorrow’s game and the future, too.
“Winning the Champions League again requires the intensity and mentality shown in the previous edition. Each year is different. The team had a few difficulties in the group stage last year but we know this and this is why we want to do well, starting from tomorrow night.
“It would be a big mistake to think that we have already qualified. You need humility and courage. No one gifts you anything in the Champions League, you have to fight in every game and think one match at a time.
“Every coach needs time to change things. Changing everything is not credible, but the team has the quality to change a few things. The important thing is to work hard.”
The former Liverpool boss also revealed that he will make late decisions on Davide Santon, Maicon and Cristian Chivu as the trio continue to struggle with injuries: “For Santon, Maicon and Chivu we will decide after tonight’s training. I will speak with them and the doctor. We still have 24 hours.”
Benitez also added that the team was growing in confidence after their first Serie A win against Udinese on Saturday and noted that a successful defence of the trophy would require intensity and the right attitude.
“We’re in pretty good shape. We won against Udinese and we are confident, but Twente are certainly in good athletic and psychological condition.” Benitez said.
“To win the competition again, we have to play with intensity and with the right attitude.
“[Samuel] Eto’o closer to goal? He keeps scoring, so if I move him closer to goal he’ll have to play as the goalkeeper.”
Tags: Champions League, Cristian Chivu, Davide Santon, FC Twente, injury news, Inter Milan, Maicon, Rafael Benitez
