Inzaghi: "Proud to be in this final: I want to see heart and determination"

It's the eve of a huge showdown, with Inter set to face PSG in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final in Munich tomorrow. Ahead of the biggest game in European football, Simone Inzaghi spoke to the press at the Munich Football Arena:

What kind of season has this been? Can this team go toe-to-toe with anyone? "The experience we gained in Istanbul helped us prepare for this final in terms of the way we've approached things in the lead-up to it and the training sessions we've had until now. Every match is its own story, but we've tried to pay attention to every detail. All the players are available, and that gives us great confidence. Having the full squad ready is the best possible scenario, because these are the players we chose, and I'm proud to coach them."

After four years, could winning the Champions League mark the end of a cycle? "There's a Champions League final to play tomorrow. Once it's over, we'll talk calmly about the future, always with Inter's best interests in mind. We've absolutely earned our place in this final. Throughout this journey, we've shown incredible determination, and now we're just one step away - the most important one. These players have always put their hearts into every match and shown their love for this shirt, and they'll do the same tomorrow night."

Are Inter underestimated? And are you? "I don't know. What I can say is that this group has given everything over the years, winning a lot, losing sometimes, but always giving everything - which is exactly what the Club and fans have done. We're proud to be playing this final. As a child, I dreamt of being involved in a match like this. I didn't make it as a player - I only reached the quarter-finals - but, thanks to these players, I'm now ready to take part in my second final as a coach."

What will you say to the team tomorrow? "I'll say what my heart tells me to say in that moment. As for favourites or underdogs, every match is different. It's not wage bills or reputations that step onto the pitch - it's the players, and they know they'll need to focus on the small details, because finals are often decided by moments. Two years ago, we were the underdogs against the best team in the world, and yet we fought on equal terms."

It’s been a very difficult season. What have you seen in your players that gave you confidence? "The psychological side of things is crucial. The players have worked extremely well. We've left the disappointment of the league behind us. Everyone is available now. As always, I still have a few doubts, but I've seen the right amount of determination. We've been focused without crossing into obsession."

Inter has one of the most experience squads, while PSG are young and fast. What’s the best approach to face them? "As a coach, you try to imagine how the match will go in your head, but it doesn't always play out that way. We know we'll be up against the team with the highest possession rate in Europe and a very technical side. We lead our own league in possession and are among the best in Europe too. We'll need to be good from a technical perspective and pass the ball well to limit PSG's time on it, because they're a very strong team both in possession and other aspects."

How is Pavard doing? "He's doing well. He's had some good training sessions and the signs are positive. If he's fit, he'll play. He's very important to us and we've missed him recently."

How much influence does a captain have on the coach and vice versa? "I wanted Lautaro and Barella here with me because they're incredibly important players for both me and the team. They wear the Inter shirt like a second skin. They step up when it matters and have great respect for their teammates, and the team respects them just as much. I trust them completely."

Is the word 'awareness' fitting for this moment? "Awareness, energy, composure, focus and much more. To win a match as important as this one, you need all of these things. Every detail has to be taken care of, especially because we're facing a great team with a top coach in Luis Enrique."

Inzaghi has defined an era at Inter. How much could tomorrow influence decisions about the future? "Winning or losing makes all the difference in the world. We know that, because we've been through it before: in the Champions League for worse, and in the league for better and worse. Our greatest desire is to give our fans a moment of huge joy. Yesterday, they were with us at the training ground. We felt their support, and we know that tomorrow, even if not physically present, the entire Curva Nord will be out there on the pitch with us. We started this journey together, and, tomorrow, here in Munich, we'll finish it together."

What have you asked of your players? "I've asked for focus and determination - but not obsession - because we need to have clear heads. We know how to prepare for these kinds of matches. We have European and world champions in the squad, and we've already played in a Champions League final. We've approached the game in the best way possible. We know tomorrow's match could hinge on moments, and we need to be ready to turn them in our favour."

Where is the line between the tension of chasing a dream and the fear of falling short? "We have to step onto the pitch with the determination and desire to win this match. We'll play it our way, with the qualities that brought us here. The journey we've been on, full of challenges, gives us great belief. We've made it this far and don't want to stop now."