Simone Inzaghi “Proud To Coach These Guys” After Inter Milan Statement Victory Vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi waxed lyrical about his Inter Milan players following a nail-biting Champions League semi-final win against Barcelona.

During a post-match interview with Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Inzaghi credited Barca for an incredible performance.

Inter and Barcelona threw a spectacle in both semi-final legs.

After a 3-3 draw at Montjuic last week, the same scoreline was in effect at the final whistle tonight.

However, Inter pulled off a ‘smash and grab’ in extra time as Davide Frattesi decided this historic knockout tie.

Meanwhile, fans in attendance went through an emotional rollercoaster.

Indeed, Inter went from a two-goal cushion to nearly losing the game in regulation.

Yet, Francesco Acerbi took the game into extra time with a last-gasp equalizer before Frattesi landed the hammer blow.

As a result, Inter will contest their second Champions League final under Simone Inzaghi.

Simone Inzaghi Proud of Inter Milan After Epic Barcelona Win

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, celebrates with his son Lorenzo Inzaghi after his team’s 4-3 victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“First of all, credit must go to Barcelona,” Inzaghi started. “They’re a really strong team. It took a super Inter, and hats off to these guys who put in two monstrous performances.

“Otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to reach a final. I’m proud and happy to be their coach; they gave me everything they had.

“The substitutes did excellently, we maintained a high level and the changes helped us at the right moment.

“It’s only right the guys enjoy this in front of our fans, I’m satisfied.

“They were exemplary. I told them to believe, and I made changes that helped limit a team that’s extremely difficult to contain.

“We had a few problems, but with heart, you can overcome any obstacle.

“We tried to play with our own weapons and qualities, and we knew Barcelona well.

“After the first game, we were clear about what we had to do.

“But without everyone’s sacrifice, it wouldn’t have been possible. Everyone who played put their heart into it, they all deserve this final.”

Finally, Inzaghi singled out one Barcelona player who impressed him the most.

Interestingly, it wasn’t Lamine Yamal.

“I have to add one thing: there’s been a lot of talk about Yamal, but I saw another extraordinary player.

“Frenkie de Jong impressed me just as much as Yamal. Always well-positioned to help the defense, always ready to clean up the ball.

“I wouldn’t trade my players for anyone in the world, but he impressed me. It was something sensational.”