In a latest dialog with Gazzeta dello Sport (h/t ), former Actual Madrid coach Rafa Benitez supplied his ideas on Barcelona and their upcoming Champions League recreation in opposition to Inter Milan.
Whereas Barça’s speedy focus will probably be on tonight’s La Liga conflict in opposition to Actual Valladolid, there may be a lot anxiousness surrounding the second leg semifinal conflict in opposition to Inter on Might 6.
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Talking forward of this attractive match-up, Benitez talked about Inter Milan’s possibilities of beating Barcelona and what the potential absence of Lautaro Martinez may imply for the house aspect, amongst different issues.
What Benitez mentioned about Barcelona-Inter match
Heading into this recreation, after Inter Milan confirmed the damage of Martinez.
The Argentine has been the highest performer for Inter this season, however may now be dominated out after selecting up a contemporary knock within the first leg.
Speaking about Lautaro’s potential absence, Benitez mentioned, “If Lautaro can’t get better, Inzaghi will lose rather a lot, however word that he wasn’t current within the second half of the primary leg both, but the alternatives didn’t go unnoticed.”
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Inter had been certainly with out Lautaro within the second half of the primary leg, because the Argentine needed to be subbed off at half-time.
Rafa Benitez final coached Celta Vigo in La Liga (Picture by Octavio Passos/Getty Photos)
Nonetheless, Benitez went on to heap reward on Inter’s large play, including, “Inter knew how you can hit Barcelona in large areas, and had been bodily robust, harmful on set items and counter-attacks, particularly by way of the flanks and generally from deep.
Speaking about Barcelona’s gameplay, the Spaniard mentioned the pitch may play an essential issue.
“The pitch is a useful issue, however Barcelona are used to intense atmospheres and won’t be affected.
“Their model is evident: possession, depth, clever gamers of top quality. This was evident in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Copa del Rey, even when they seemed exhausted ultimately in opposition to Inter,” he mentioned.
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Benitez added that the experience of Simone Inzaghi or Hansi Flick won’t matter as each groups have a definite model of play.
“Neither Inzaghi nor Flick will rely, as evidenced by the 3-3 draw within the first leg. However it could be a mistake to hurry and go away areas. Barcelona tends to take extra dangers, however Inter possesses the bodily and psychological energy,” he mentioned.
Lastly, Benitez was requested about Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, who scored a superb objective within the first leg.
“We’re witnessing a participant who will make historical past. He has the expertise and mentality of Messi or Cristiano. The essential factor is that he stays humble and aggressive, after which he will probably be an distinctive participant,” he concluded.