Barcelona earn Simone Inzaghi’s respect despite painful defeat – ‘Took a super Inter to beat them’ | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi was full of praise for Barcelona after Inter Milan’s dramatic 4-3 victory in the Champions League semi-final clash at the San Siro.

Despite the euphoria surrounding his side’s passage to the final, the Inter boss did not shy away from admitting that it took a near-perfect performance to overcome the Blaugrana.

Moments after the match, Inzaghi crossed paths with Barcelona boss Hansi Flick in the stadium entrance.

The two coaches exchanged a warm embrace, with the German tactician wishing Inzaghi good luck in the final—a gesture that underlined the mutual respect between the managers after two gruelling legs.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Inzaghi highlighted the strength and quality of the opposition.

“We tried to play the game with our weapons and our qualities. We knew Barcelona, and we knew what to do on the pitch. We put our heart into it, we were never boastful, and in the end, we succeeded,” he began saying.

Embracing the competition

He further lauded his players, describing their performance as exemplary. “I was sure the changes would help us. We had Lautaro, Dumfries, and Frattesi. We overcame the difficulties,” he explained.

Simone Inzaghi led his side to a win over Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It took a super Inter to beat Barça,” he added, acknowledging that even at their best, overcoming Barcelona was an enormous challenge.

“We faced a strong team. It took an exceptional Inter to beat them. We played two brutal games. The lads were fantastic. I’m proud and happy to be their coach.”

Praise for Frenkie de Jong

Inzaghi also reserved special praise for Barcelona’s midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong, singling him out just as he had done with Lamine Yamal after the first leg.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Yamal, but De Jong impressed me. He’s an exceptional player, capable of clearing every ball. I wouldn’t change any of my players, but De Jong did something sensational.”

Barcelona may have fallen just short of the final, but their quality, character, and rising stars are beginning to turn heads across Europe again.

With El Clasico looming on the horizon, their focus now shifts to securing domestic silverware.

Source: Mundo Deportivo