Zivo: We did not underestimate any opponents, and we were not ashamed of Inter Milan s performance on the court

June 18th, Inter Milan drew 1-1 with Monterrey in the first game of the Club World Cup. After the game, Inter Milan coach Ziwo attended the press conference.

Evaluation of Inter Milan's performance

"Inter Milan played a good game, showing strength and proactive, forward-pressing and defensive attitude. We understand our opponent's playing style, trying to limit long passes and prevent their offense and defense conversions. We could have done better, but overall performance was good. After the opponent scored, we tried to respond immediately, but some mistakes occurred in the goal, the last pass and the overall coordination. We could have played more directly and faster in the second half, but we played a little slow, allowing them to shrink their defense and form a low-post defense, leaving us with too much room."

About the performance of new players

" Now It was too early to draw a conclusion. They only practiced with the team for a short time, but they were ready immediately. Today the new players tried their best, and I saw something positive. It was not easy to play well when the players were not in their best physical condition. Considering that this is their first appearance on behalf of our team, they performed well. "

3-4-2-1 single-arrow formation on the final stage of the game" When facing a low-post defense, we always tried to create opportunities to disrupt the opponent's defensive organization. We could have better utilized the configuration of the double front midfielder behind the front line, but we had room for improvement, including the first half. "

Did Monterrey underestimate?

"We never underestimate any opponent, always play with the greatest respect. We try our best, sometimes successful, sometimes not. We create a lot of opportunities, just lacking a little hunger in front of the goal. In the final stage of the game, when trying to push the offense, it may leave room for the opponent. They are excellent in counterattacks, sometimes we give the opponent too much space, but we absolutely do not underestimate them."

Did Monterrey bring surprises?

"I understand how they play, but I didn't expect them to play three central defenders. This seems to me a new change. Monterrey is a seasoned team. We performed quite well in the first half, creating opportunities even after conceding the ball, and the reaction was positive. We could have scored the second goal in the second half." Is set-piece defense a priority improvement link?

"When the defensive thinking needs to be changed, there are many aspects that need to be improved simultaneously. I agreed with the players on my idea. We decided to change the way of setting-piece defense, because when people are on the man-to-man defense, the opponent can often take away the guardian players through research, so as to gain space at the near post or far post. Even if people are on the man-to-man defense, we may still lose the ball because there was a cooperation mistake in that defense, and we lost people. Ramos was actually doing man-to-man defense at that time."

Does this result embarrass you?

"We never feel ashamed of our performance on the court, we respect our opponents. We have a strong team, but we know that in football, we have to do more than our opponents to win. Today we tried, and were proactive for most of the game, and sometimes played smoothly and clearly. But at this stage, we have limited physical reserves, and I am not making excuses. Inter Milan has indeed encountered some difficulties on the physical level. However, we have never lacked in terms of attitude towards the game and respect for our opponents."