Jurgen Klinsmann suggested it was ‘fabulous’ that Inter had the chance to win the Scudetto in the derby against Milan but noted how ‘everything reset’ at San Siro.
The Nerazzurri have the chance the mathematically secure their Scudetto in this evening’s Derby della Madonnina at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, giving Simone Inzaghi and his players an extra boost in motivation following an impressive season in Serie A.
Milan are in a state of chaos following their Europa League elimination to Roma in the quarter-finals, a result that’s likely condemned coach Stefano Pioli. Rossoneri fans are hoping to at least avoid derby defeat as they try to look ahead to the new season.
Klinsmann on Milan derby
Speaking on page 13 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Klinsmann first discussed how Inter can win the Scudetto against Milan.
“Let’s say it’s a… fabulous circumstance. Almost a dream. But it certainly won’t become an obsession, the important thing is that the scudetto arrives. To realize the greatness of this season, we need to think that we no longer ask ourselves ‘if’ Inter will win, but ‘when’ will they?”
He touched on how the moods of the two rivals are opposite.
“At San Siro everything is reset, we start from scratch. Then on the pitch there are precise values, the season has said that Inter are the best team. The derby, however, is truly an unknown planet, without certainties. Imagine that.”
Klinsmann reflected on his Milan derby memories.
“The wait. The fans who, while you’re queuing in the car, say to you: ‘Jurgen scores for us’. It was always a positive tension, it gave you energy.
“I only scored one goal against Milan, in my penultimate derby after two seasons in which I hadn’t succeeded, it was December 1991, and I was the happiest man in the world. But then Van Basten equalized and… 1-1.”
He spoke about the secret behind Inter’s success this season.
“From the outside you perceive a beautiful atmosphere, it involves everyone, the team, the club, the fans. Wherever Inter play, you always see large Nerazzurri spots in the stadium, it’s beautiful. It’s truly the Scudetto of smiles.
“Inzaghi then managed to give an identity and in every role he always has a high-level alternative. It’s just a shame about the bad evening in Madrid, but Scudetto number 20 surpasses any disappointment.”
Klinsmann was asked which player best represents their Scudetto.
“You can’t really say one, not in this team that work so well together. Lautaro has become an incredible leader after the World Cup, he drags everyone along as well as scoring, but many deserve the showcase.
“Take Calhanoglu for example, he’s very good with his shots, passes, he sees everything, he’s not afraid to take responsibility. And then also my friend Lilian’s son…”
He touched on the qualities of Marcus Thuram.
“I played with his father before Marcus was born, during his time at Monaco. He inherited the same professionalism and intelligence. Then I followed him closely in Monchengladbach and now in Milan.
“He has completed itself, I have the feeling that he will grow further, we’ll see increasingly stronger and decisive. With him, Lautaro, Calha, Barella, Bastoni, Inter have a great future ahead of them.”
Klinsmann was asked if he’d like to be on the open-bus parade.
“Whoever won on the pitch goes on the bus, but I would really like to be in Milan and see the Inter fans celebrating. Unfortunately, I can’t. But I imagine the streets, the flags, the emotion for the star.”
Finally, Klinsmann discussed how his old teammate Andreas Brehme would’ve reacted to this.
“Anyway, Andy really loved Inter. He felt every success of the team was his. I said it, he was like an older brother.
“He helped me a lot when I arrived in Milan, he always thought of others first. We always stayed in touch wherever we were in the world.”