Perisic: "We’re hungry for victory. I’m expecting a brilliant game"

MADRID – Ivan Perisic left his mark on this fixture last season when he scored a fine goal in Inter’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid at Valdebebas. This time around, the game will be taking place at the Bernabeu and the Croat explained in the pre-match press conference what is different this year in the Champions League.

In terms of tactics, what’s changed since last year?

“Our playing system is the same. We’ve known one another for many years now. We’ve done better in the Champions League this season. In Europe, we’ve produced performances in which we’ve created so many chances and we’ve scored more goals. We deserve to get through to the next round, having gone close last year.”

You’ve won so much in your career and your contract is expiring soon. Do you think you’ll still be an Inter player in the future?

“I’m hungry and my team-mates and I want to keep winning. I’m not thinking about my future. I’m focused on the present and on giving everything that I have.”

You’re still improving as a player. What’s the secret?

“It was difficult when I changed position. Where I play now is harder than where I used to play. I don’t know if it’s been my best season with Inter. That’ll depend on what we win come the end of the season. Having Covid-19 during the EURO meant I didn’t play in lots of games in a short space of time, giving me a freer summer in which I relaxed and recharged. I worked so hard and it’s now bearing its fruit.”

Are all options possible in terms of your future?

“I’m focused on tomorrow’s game. That’s what we’re all thinking about. There’s time for that. We’ll talk about it further down the line.”

What do you think of Vinicius?

“He’s in really good form. I’ve watched all of Real Madrid’s games this season and they’re a strong side. We’ll need a team performance tomorrow in which we help one another out. If we keep playing as we’ve been doing in recent weeks, it’ll be a fantastic game.”

What do you make of Luka Modric?

“First of all, Luke is a top guy. He’s my captain and I have deep respect for him. He always helps us out. It’ll be tough for whoever follows in his footsteps and takes his place. That goes for the national team too. There are so many young players in Croatia, but it’ll be difficult to replace him, even though there are other players who’ve shown they can play in his position, such as [Marcelo] Brozovic and [Mateo] Kovacic. It’ll certainly be better for us if he doesn’t play tomorrow.”