Simone Inzaghi Up Against Spalletti And Guardiola For FIFA Best Coach
Written By Onyeka Daniel
Inter Milan manager, Simone Inzaghi has explained why he decided to take of Marcus Thuram in yesterday’s Champions League draw with Real Sociedad. The coach spoke In a press conference after the match, saying that he decided to substitute the Frenchman for “technical” reasons rather than any injuries.
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For much of the first half of yesterday evening’s match, Thuram was Inter’s most threatening player. Therefore, it perhaps came as a surprise to see Thuram come off during the second half. Instead, Lautaro Martinez and Marko Arnautovic replaced Thuram and Alexis Sanchez upfront. This could well have led to questions about why Inzaghi decided to take Thuram off, considering the player looked to be in great form during the match. Perhaps even worries that the reason related to injury or fitness.
But according to the coach, it was simply a “technical decision.” When he was asked whether fitness reasons were behind Thuram coming of. “No,” the coach replied. “It was a technical choice.” “I would have waited ten more minutes, but in the first half he had worked so hard.” “In that moment I thought about taking him off,” the coach said.
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“Regardless, I got great responses from everyone,” Inzaghi said. The Inter coach noted that “Had Dumfries and Pavard been available, Cuadrado would have played less because he’s still dealing with a physical issue.” “I have to thank him, because he’s made himself completely available for me,” Inzaghi said of the former Juventus wingback.
As far as Inter’s failure to beat Real Sociedad at two attempts, Inzaghi said “I have to point out that La Real also caused problems for both Real Madrid and Barcelona.” “They’re a top-class opponent,” he said. “They have excellent principles of play. But my Inter were not inferior to them,” the coach was defiant. “In the first match against them we managed a late draw that was difficult. This time around, with the chances we created we could’ve deserved more.”
The former Lazio manager also felt that it was not at all straightforward for his team to go through their Champions League group unbeaten. “We were playing an excellent team who finished the group unbeaten like us,” Inzaghi said. “Unlike in the first meeting, we didn’t concede anything,” he noted. “Then when they dropped off a bit, we created opportunities that could have given us the win.”
“We wanted to finish top of the group,” Inzaghi admitted. “But we’re looking forward with a lot of confidence.” “We knew that Real Sociedad would give up something in the last half hour.” Inzaghi noted that “In the second half we had chances.
“But they’re a team that don’t concede much.” “My team conceded even less,” Inzaghi continued. “I’m sorry for not finishing top, but I congratulated the guys because finishing the group undefeated is not for everyone.” He further added.
Meanwhile…
Inzaghi will have to contend with Luciano Spalletti, and Pep Guardiola for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach of the year and just like it went in the UEFA edition, the Manchester City boss appears to be the favourite over the two Italian coaches.
Read Also: “We Finished Second In The Group Last Season And Reached The Final”
Two of the best three coaches of 2023 are Italian as FIFA have named Spalletti and Inzaghi among the three finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach award. Spalletti led Napoli to a legendary third Serie A title last season. It was the first one in 33 years for the Partenopei, who were among the most entertaining teams to watch last season.
Inzaghi, on the other hand, saw Napoli secure the Scudetto, but lifted a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa with Inter and reached the Champions League Final, which the Nerazzurri lost to Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The Spanish tactician seems the favourite over Inzaghi and Spalletti as Manchester City completed a memorable treble last season, winning their first-ever Champions League in Istanbul. The winner between the three contenders will be revealed during The Best FIFA Football Awards in London on January 15, 2024.
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