Also a protagonist off the field, Hakan Çalhanoğlu spoke to the microphones of La Repubblica after the goal against Roma. From the secrets behind that goal that drove the Nerazzurri fans crazy, to the season’s objectives and even a look at the recent past.
The words of Inter’s midfielder
GOAL AGAINST ROMA – “I realized that Bastoni couldn’t cross and I got into position. Zielinski saw me and passed it to me. I checked that there was no one behind, pushed the ball forward and shot. But it wasn’t my most beautiful goal. The shot against Verona was more angled,” recounts Inter’s playmaker.
Svilar’s fault? To those who criticize him, I give a piece of advice: let them try being in goal and see if they save it. The ball changes direction after the goalkeeper shifts his weight. It’s an effect I look for, hitting from underneath.”
GROUP – “We often talk to each other in important moments. We told ourselves that we all have to give more, take on more responsibility. The memory of the Scudetto lost by one point is still alive, we don’t want it to happen again. We have to keep going like this, and close it out as soon as possible.”
The young players listen to us. They have understood how things work here at Inter. The bar is high, you always have to prove yourself. Lautaro? When he’s not there, we miss him, both because he scores a lot and is always dangerous, and for his personality. But in the locker room it’s not just him, there are also others with great experience and charisma. Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi.
COMO – “They are a good team, well built. We will have to be careful and play our game. What do I need to improve? In managing recovery: I have to listen to my body, rest when needed. If it were up to me, I would always train, but that’s not necessarily a good idea.”
ITALIAN YOUTH SECTORS – “There must be room for technical players in youth sectors. If there is talent, you don’t need to be big and strong. In Germany, where I grew up, that’s how they think. I don’t know the Italian youth sectors, I can’t comment.”
INZAGHI AND CHIVU – “With Simone I have a wonderful relationship: he really wanted me in the team. Chivu is even more empathetic, closer to the players. He cares about how you are off the field.”
AMBITION – “My goal is to win important trophies with Inter. After losing two Champions League finals, that’s the goal. In the meantime, there’s the World Cup with Turkey.”
FANS – “The chant ‘Calha you know why…’ really fires me up. As a foreigner, it’s wonderful to realize you’ve entered so deeply into the heart of a people. I try to return the love and respect by giving everything on the field.”
FUTURE – “After my playing career I see myself more as a manager than as a coach: sporting director, federation executive or agent. I’m already reading and studying for this.”
NATIONAL TEAM – “By choosing Turkey I think I made the right choice, following my heart. We are preparing for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. An enormous emotion, which I experience as captain. In the German national team there won’t be any players of Turkish origin.
AZZURRI – “After the exclusion from the World Cup I hugged them. Words mean little at times like that. The real help comes from family, especially from children. I had my children’s hands tattooed on my forearm, next to the two stars won with Inter. Before training I take them to school, then I pick them up. I try to be with them as much as possible.”
