Inter Milan Manager Rues Late Goal Conceded Vs Bayer Leverkusen: “A Point Would Have Been Useful” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi addressed the media after a gut-wrenching 1-0 UEFA Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen.

During his post-match conference via FCInterNews, Inzaghi admitted that the Nerazzurri dropped a valuable point on German soil.

Accused of playing for a draw instead of pursuing three points, the Scudetto-winning manager offered a firm response.

“Never,” Inzaghi was clear. “My teams don’t aim for a draw.

“In the first half, we lacked the usual precision in our playmaking, despite moments where Leverkusen struggled.

“The second half was under control defensively, but offensively, we should have been more assertive.”

However, it’s undeniable that Inter lacked their usual scoring hunger last night.

Indeed, they left the BayArena without a shot on target, casting a shadow on another remarkable defensive performance.

Sparta Prague and Monaco will be Inter’s next opponents at Europe’s top table.

And Inzaghi identified where his players must improve in the league phase finale.

“We did some good things but also made errors, particularly in our passing,” he added.

“We faced a team of great quality and should have done more.

“Despite no warning signs in the second half, we conceded due to a lapse in focus.”

Inter Milan Manager Simone Inzaghi Cuts Frustrated Character After Bayer Leverkusen Defeat

“It’s a loss that doesn’t impact our overall trajectory,” Inzaghi continued.

“A draw would have been beneficial, but it wasn’t decisive. Leverkusen hadn’t lost at home in a long time, yet we could’ve performed better.”

The Nerazzurri boss also highlighted the significance of European triumphs.

“The victories in Europe have boosted us in Serie A. This loss won’t slow us down; our progress remains solid.

“It’s disappointing because we expended significant effort.

“The players supported each other well and restricted a high-quality team to minimal chances, apart from the early crossbar.

“However, our possession game wasn’t at its best, partly due to their well-organized approach.”

Despite falling behind Leverkusen in the 36-team table, Inzaghi believes Inter remain on the right trajectory.

“The standings are still favorable. Depending on tomorrow’s results, we’ll have more clarity.

“A draw tonight would have been significant as it would have kept Leverkusen behind us, but we still control our destiny.

“Confidence remains high.”

He also refused to criticize last night’s starters.

“Taremi, Carlos Augusto, and Zielinski had decent performances,” Inzaghi stated.

“I won’t single anyone out, but we lacked the usual quality that’s typically our strength.

“The team gave their all, but our finishing and final passes weren’t as sharp as needed.

“Arnautovic replaced Taremi as Buchanan had been dealing with a minor issue and wasn’t fully fit.

“I needed fresh legs but couldn’t risk further complications, particularly with defensive challenges for the upcoming Lazio match.

“Players like Bisseck, Bastoni, and De Vrij will likely feature prominently as Pavard and Acerbi are unavailable.”