Denzel Dumfries believes Inter Milan shouldn’t feel pressured to win the Champions League despite past defeats. He emphasizes the team’s focus on winning each game and improving their performance, rather than solely aiming to surpass last year’s result. He acknowledges the team’s need to improve.
Denzel Dumfries has tempered expectations surrounding Inter Milan's Champions League ambitions, suggesting that last season's final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain doesn't add extra pressure this time around. Inter suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to PSG in the final, a result that saw the French side crowned European champions for the first time. The loss was particularly painful for Inter, marking their second Champions League final defeat in just two years, following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in 2023.
Adding to the changes at Inter, Simone Inzaghi departed the club to take up a position with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal before the Club World Cup. Despite these changes and recent disappointments, Dumfries maintains that the pressure shouldn't be solely on Inter to overcome their Champions League struggles this season.
Speaking ahead of Inter's Champions League match against Ajax, Dumfries addressed the media, stating, "We're playing in the Champions League to win. We've got an excellent squad, but for me, it's not about doing better than last year. We’re a great club and we can win the Champions League, but it’s a difficult competition and we’ll need to give our best starting tomorrow."
Dumfries also touched on Inter's domestic form, acknowledging their need for improvement. "We didn’t start as well as we’d wanted in the league, but it’s up to us to improve and find the right motivation. We’re a squad that has experience and character. We look each other in the eye and we know that we have a lot to improve."
Towards the European stage.
Inter Milan's journey in the Champions League this season is poised to be a fascinating one. The team's blend of experienced players and emerging talent creates a dynamic that could potentially lead them to success. However, the road to the final is fraught with challenges, and Inter will need to overcome several hurdles to achieve their goals.
One of the key factors that will determine Inter's fate in the Champions League is their ability to maintain consistency throughout the tournament. In previous seasons, Inter has shown flashes of brilliance, but they have often struggled to replicate that form on a consistent basis. To compete with the best teams in Europe, Inter will need to find a way to perform at a high level week in and week out.
Another important aspect for Inter will be their tactical flexibility. In modern football, it is essential for teams to be able to adapt their game plan based on the opposition and the circumstances of the match. Inter's coach will need to be able to make the right tactical adjustments to maximize the team's chances of success.
Furthermore, Inter's success in the Champions League will depend on their ability to stay mentally strong. The Champions League is a high-pressure environment, and players need to be able to handle the pressure and perform at their best when it matters most. Inter's experienced players will need to lead the way in this regard, setting an example for the younger players in the squad.
Inter's group stage draw will also play a significant role in their Champions League campaign. A favorable draw could give Inter a relatively easy path to the knockout stages, while a difficult draw could make it much harder for them to progress. Regardless of the draw, Inter will need to be prepared to face any opponent with confidence and determination.
Ultimately, Inter's success in the Champions League will depend on a combination of factors, including squad quality, tactical flexibility, mental strength, and luck. While Dumfries is right to downplay the pressure on Inter, there's no doubt the squad possesses the quality and the will to compete with Europe's elite, and they will strive to make a significant impact in the tournament.