Inter defender Stefan de Vrij admits Slavia Prague surprised his side last time out but assures “we’ve improved a lot and we’re prepared for tomorrow.”
Only a last-ditch Nicolo Barella goal spared Inter from defeat to Slavia, despite many tipping the Czechs to be whipping boys in the Champions League’s so-called ‘group of death’ with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
However, Dr Vrij made it clear lessons had been learnt going into their crunch rematch in Prague tomorrow.
Inter defender Stefan de Vrij admits Slavia Prague surprised his side last time out but assures “we’ve improved a lot and we’re prepared for tomorrow.”
Only a last-ditch Nicolo Barella goal spared Inter from defeat to Slavia, despite many tipping the Czechs to be whipping boys in the Champions League’s so-called ‘group of death’ with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
However, Dr Vrij made it clear lessons had been learnt going into their crunch rematch in Prague tomorrow.
“The season is long, but I’m doing okay,” he said at a press conference.
“There are games to play and I don’t feel like looking back: I always look to the future.
“I’ve played in Italy for many years, the teams know each other. Slavia, on the other hand, are opponents we didn’t know about.
“They play in a different and physical way: they’re tough to face. They run a lot and we saw it in the first leg, but we’ve improved a lot and we’re prepared for tomorrow’s game.”
The Nerazzurri’s struggles in Europe come in stark contrast to their domestic form, which sees them behind only Juventus in the Serie A table…
“We succeeded against Dortmund at home, but that doesn’t matter anymore. Of course, there are the best teams in the Champions League, and it’s obvious that it’s more difficult against the likes of Messi and Suarez.
“Here you have teams who know how to win games, who hardly lose, like Slavia. We’re working to improve.”