Thuram: "Liverpool are a great team: elite players always want to prove themselves."

On the Eve of Inter vs. Liverpool, matchday six of the 2025/26 Champions League Group Stage. The match is scheduled at San Siro on Tuesday, 9 December, at 21:00 CET. Marcus Thuram spoke at the press conference ahead of the match, along with Cristian Chivu:

Liverpool have some issues both on and off the pitch at the moment. Do you think that gives Inter an advantage over them? “I don’t think so. I believe games are made up of individual moments, and we will face a great team with plenty of champions. When players are questioned, everyone wants to prove themselves. There may be people who say this is the best time to play them, but I don’t believe that.”

What’s the biggest danger tomorrow night? “I don’t know. We will face a great team and try to do what we’ve been doing, always pushing ourselves further.”

Do you feel ready to be in the starting XI for the game? “Yes, I feel good, but that’s a tricky question. Jokes aside, I’ve just returned from an injury, but I’ve fully recovered thanks to the medical staff. I’m ready to help the team.”

Inter hasn’t always managed to deliver positive results in important games. Why do you think that is? “Since joining Inter, I’ve played and won many big games. It often comes down to individual moments, and anything can happen. We’ve lacked something since the start of the season, but we know what we need to improve.”

Could Inter vs. Liverpool have the same energy as the games against Bayern and Barcelona in terms of atmosphere? “I’m not sure. Those matches were later in the tournament, so they were more decisive. There’s no doubt San Siro will be as electric as always, but maybe not the exact same atmosphere.”

After the game against Como, you said there’s still room for improvement. Which areas do you think it would be in? “I hope we can improve in every aspect. That’s the beauty of football, and I mean it also on a personal level.”

One of the strengths of this group is the bond with Chivu. How did this relationship of empathy develop? “I think it’s great that the coach has been in our position and knows what we experience every day. We also know he was a key player, and that helps in building a relationship with the players.”

Do you consider yourself one of the top five forwards in the world, or are you aiming to become one? “Right now, I don’t think I’m on that list, but I work every day to be the best version of myself and to help the team. But it’s not for me to make that claim.”

Inter-Liverpool has a historic past, including the 1965 comeback with Herrera. Is that something that inspires you? “I have heard about it, but in general, ever since I was a child, playing a match like this in a stadium like this has been a dream. I think seeing San Siro tomorrow will be incredible.”