Inter star Benjamin Pavard reveals he teased his compatriots at Milan Theo Hernandez, Mike Maignan and Oliver Giroud before the latest derby della Madonnina and says Simone Inzaghi’s ‘secret’ is his attention to details.
France international Pavard released an extended interview with La Repubblica weeks after Inter’s Serie A title win.
It was a historic achievement, not only because the Nerazzurri won the Scudetto for the 20th time but also because the decisive win came in a derby della Madonnina against city rivals Milan.
Pavard is a good friend of Milan stars Theo, Giroud and Maignan, but he did taunt them before their latest meeting.
Pavard reveals how he ‘teased’ Milan stars before derby
“I had teased them before the game, saying we would win the title against Milan,” said Pavard.
“We are friends, but the derby is the derby, and on the pitch with Theo, we clashed and pushed each other.”
Pavard praised Inter coach Inzaghi and explained the ‘secret’ behind his success at the Stadio Meazza.
“Attention to detail: He takes nothing for granted. It’s his mentality, and everyone at Pinetina shares it,” said the France international.
Inter star Pavard reveals Inzaghi’s secret
“This is why we are so happy at Inter. He cares about every detail, and you can understand it by the way he moves on the bench. I was surprised at the beginning; I had never seen anything like that. Then I understood. After the title win, he said it was important to win the remaining games.
“Inzaghi leaves us a lot of freedom. I had already played in a three-man defence, but it was mostly about defending. In here, it’s all up and down. We must run forward, create space and link up with the playmaker.”
Pavard celebrated Inter’s title win with his teammates and parents last week.
“It was thrilling. I knew my parents had been waiting for me for four hours. We were happy; my mum was pushing to see me, and my dad was smiling. I am proud I made them experience moments like these.
“They’ve been repaid for the sacrifices they made for me. I left home at 10 to play football. I am an only child, and it was tough for them. They are my inspirations in life: Dad for his mental strength and Mum for her calm.”
How was it to leave home so early?
“It was difficult, and there were not many nice moments. The day I have children, I’ll advise them against making the same choice,” he admitted. But I am where I am today thanks to that uphill journey.”
Inter’s open-top bus parade was a kind of new experience for the Nerazzurri star.
“I already did it in Stuttgart for the Bundesliga promotion. Not so much at Bayern Munich,” he admitted.
“Then there was the World Cup with France. It was incredible, but the bus drove much faster, it didn’t take eight hours like in Milan.”
This was Pavard’s first season at Inter, but when and why did he decide to join the Nerazzurri from Bayern Munich?
“I was on a plane, while I was coming to Milan with a friend. I had been pushing to leave Munich, and I wanted to join Inter, who had been following me for a while.
“I had won everything at Bayern, and it was time to change. At 27, after seven years in Germany, I wanted a new challenge. I wanted to know Italy and live the passion of Serie A. Then tactics. I used to play as a full-back in Munich, but I prefer the centre-back role.”
In which game would he like to score his first Inter goal?
“Obviously in a derby, but an Inter-Juve would be nice too.”
Pavard on Lautaro Martinez and Inter’s next goals
How about Inter captain Lautaro Martinez?
“He is a great person, a true leader and an excellent player. I hope he stays with us for a long time.”
Pavard continued revealing his idols and stating where Inter could get in the next few years.
“Zidane, when I played as a midfielder. Among defenders, it’s Sergio Ramos.
“We set no limits for ourselves. We must remain Serie A champions even if we know defending the title won’t be easy. The winner has often changed in Italy over the last few years, but we are on the right path. We have fantastic fans, at San Siro and away.”
The 28-year-old is expected to be part of the France squad at Euro 2024.
Pavard on France ambition at Euro 2024 and Italy
“We know we are among the favourites. We have a great team and a great coach, but we must not put too much pressure on ourselves,” he admitted.
“We’ve played in big competitions, learning from good and bad moments. Now I must play well in the last Inter games, hoping Deschamps will call me up.”
What’s his take on Italy?
“It must not be underestimated. Spalletti is very good and he did well at Napoli. He has great footballers, some of whom play with me at Inter.”
Lastly, Pavard said he would have become a “tennis player or a model” if he wasn’t a footballer and revealed he would remain in football after hanging his boots.
“I don’t know in which role, but I’ll continue in football. When I was at Lille, I’d spend my day off watching my friends play in non-league teams. I watch games in the third and fourth divisions at home and study all the tables. Wins and fame did not change me. I don’t forget where I come from and how I was educated. I try to be as simple as possible.”