Marotta: "Protagonists in Italy and Europe, we're proud of this qualification"

MILANO - Giuseppe Marotta spoke to Sky Sports. Here are the thoughts from the Inter President and CEO:

How proud are you for reaching the Champions League semi-final?

"It's a great source of pride for the Club, fans and ownership but especially the Coach and team who have done so well in obtaining these results. It's a particularly happy time, and we're not at the end of the road yet because we're nearing the latter stages of three competitions". How would you judge this season?

"Regardless of how it ends, it's been a very positive season and shows consistency from a journey started a few years ago, a cycle which coincided with the arrival of Inzaghi which has seen us become major players in Europe, and that's something we're very proud of. We're also leading the way in Italy and, therefore, I think this season should be seen as a positive one". The big Clubs always want to win, is it right that you go for it all?

"We are Inter, there's a rich history behind us, a trophy cabinet filled with success from competitions that we are currently involved in. Therefore, it's obvious that we're in this competition to win it. We're at a bit of a crossroads at the moment. On Sunday, we have an important game in Bologna, probably the most important of the year, against a side who will also see this as a big game. It will be a defining moment in another competition, Serie A, but Inter are used to this and playing at a high level every three days". Do you feel like the Bologna match could be a turning point? "It's certainly still a transitional phase, there are still many points up for grabs, anything can happen but it's an important step because we will face one of the most in form sides at the moment. We'll come into the game following the physical and psychological stress from the win yesterday, which came as a result of great sacrifice from all of the team and staff but we must be champions right until the end and know that we must constantly push ourselves. Bologna are a good side and so will that's where we need to start". This is one of the most enjoyable Inter sides to watch: how much of that is down to Inzaghi?

"I see Inzaghi as a young coach, who always brings together a great mix of values and qualities. He knows how to win, or at least always find a way to win and this puts him in an important position. He is tactically competent and prepares meticulously, he excellently manages a group that's been with him for years now. They have grown under him and adopted a different mindset, which has come in part as a result of the setbacks faced. Defeats have offered this team a lot of valuable opportunities to grow, and that's a testament to the coach and journey pursued together". Will the club continue with Inzaghi? Is this the path you'll take?

"He has another year left on his contract but I don't think a coach should go into the final year of their contract. So, when everything's sorted, we will sit down to extended his contract, but it'll be a quick meeting in which we will easily come to an agreement".

Lautaro is even more complete, do you think the renewal is even more important given this season? "The contract proved a relationship with a great sense of belonging between the player and the Club, fuelled by the fact that he is our Captain. I think that he's grown in a footballing sense and also as a person, he is our leader, without forgetting the others obviously. But, his growth has been evident".

Could a Champions League win be the achievement of a personal dream for you?

"It's clear that the Champions League is perhaps the only thing missing, so it'd be a huge source of satisfaction. It's a dream, but as dreams often come true, we have to believe in it. I am certain that this squad can do some great things and that we're not starting as underdogs against Barcelona because we have the duty to believe in ourselves and our abilities.