Lautaro: "Time to turn the page, our goal is to go all the way" | OneFootball

How are you feeling in this first period under the new guidance? And with the addition of some new players who have joined Inter to help do well in this competition? "Every time we start a new tournament wearing this shirt, our objectives are the same as always: to go all the way, to aim as high as possible. This needs to be clear to everyone. Of course, we’ll face some difficulties—it’s a new competition, with teams coming from all over the world—but I’m sure it will be great. We’re working really well despite the time spent on international duty. Now the lads are back, they’re young and can be of great help. I’m sure they’ll enjoy being here and being part of our group. Chivu? We’ve spoken since he arrived here. We’d already talked on the phone before as well. We discussed his ideas, his approach, and how he wants to work. We’re on the same page, we’re very much in tune. I see a coach who is determined to win, and that mentality is what really impresses me."

In the press conference, Chivu talked about 'Interismo' and about keeping the bar high, as you’ve done in recent years. Of course, you’ve also played in a World Cup—and won it with Argentina. How big will your contribution be to the team? "It will be a big contribution, for sure. What’s in the past was a tough bite to digest, but there’s no time—we need to look ahead. We have to focus on this new competition that’s about to start. As you said, it’s really important. Of course, the thought of the final will be in the back of our minds. But there’s no time. We have to prepare for the game and fine-tune the last few details to be ready for tomorrow’s match, which marks the start of a competition that is as important as all the others."

On a personal level, you’ve experienced many ups and downs. And as captain, your involvement is significant. That "hasta donde dure" we discovered before the game against Barcelona has become a sort of slogan. What do you think you need to focus on to put what happened in Munich behind you? "For sure, it’s about being strong mentally and being able to react immediately. We need to understand what the coach wants from us—and actually, it’s quite similar to what we were doing before, so in that sense it’s a bit easier. The most important thing is to be mentally stronger and have the hunger to win."