Calhanoglu: "We will face a top side, but we need to focus on ourselves" | OneFootball

Inter are back in Champions League action after the 3-1 league win over Parma. On Tuesday 10 December at 21:00 CET, the Nerazzurri will play Bayer Leverkusen away in the sixth league-phase game of the UEFA Champions League. On the eve of the game, Hakan Calhanoglu spoke to journalists in a press conference.

What will it be like to return to a city you called home? "I'm back for the first time in seven years, I'm happy to see many people again. I can't wait to play this game, there are a lot of emotions here. My journey in Italy wasn't easy to begin with because I had to learn a new language and get used to a new country, but now I can see that I've improved a lot".

The statistics show that you have made the most recoveries in the Champions League: how did you manage to improve this skill? "I have to thank the Coach because he saw me in that role and I have done everything to improve, I'm still growing and a lot of credit also goes to his staff. I feel good playing in this position because I have top teammates with great skills".

Xabi Alonso said that you're as important as Kimmich for Bayern: what do you think? "I'm happy to hear his praise. Obviously, however, I have to focus on myself because I play for Inter and I want to give it my all on the pitch".

You played higher up at Bayer Leverkusen, how has it been different to have a coach like Inzaghi? "I can only thank the Coach because we have worked a lot to help me grow into this role and I have become an important player".

Have you or Bayer Leverkusen changed more since you left the side? "I am definitely more mature, I have more experience. I have grown on a human level, I have a different way of working. As a player, I have improved a lot".

Given Napoli's defeat to Lazio in the league, how much can things change this season? "Little changes for us, we are all up there with few points between us. Our aim is always to take Inter as far as possible, we are only looking at ourselves".

You know this club: what do you have to keep in mind about Bayer Leverkusen? "We know that they are strong and have become a top side in recent years. We need to be attentive on the restarts but at the same time, we know that we are doing well and we are ready to play all of our cards to continue this journey".