|
|
Ranieri: Champions League is Inter's natural habitat
The Italian coach believes that his team has the correct mentality to play in the UEFA competition, which he described as more open than Serie A in terms of playing style
Feb 21, 2012 11:00:00 AM
By Luis Mira
Getty Images
Inter coach Claudio Ranieri says that his side feel more comfortable in the Champions League than in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri are currently seventh in the Serie A standings following a three-game losing streak, while they will take on Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League Round of 16 after finishing at the top of their group.
"At first, we had better results in the Champions League than in Serie A," Ranieri told France Football. "The game is more open in the Champions League, while it is more closed in Italy.
"When I arrived [in September], we could not be 100 per cent focused on Serie A. However, we immediately won our matches at CSKA Moscow and at Lille. I believe that this team has its natural habitat in the Champions League. Our players have a lot of experience in this competition, so they approach the matches with the right mentality and focus."
Ranieri also took the time to praise Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, saying: "He deserves to coach a big Italian club."
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
The Nerazzurri are currently seventh in the Serie A standings following a three-game losing streak, while they will take on Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League Round of 16 after finishing at the top of their group.
"At first, we had better results in the Champions League than in Serie A," Ranieri told France Football. "The game is more open in the Champions League, while it is more closed in Italy.
"When I arrived [in September], we could not be 100 per cent focused on Serie A. However, we immediately won our matches at CSKA Moscow and at Lille. I believe that this team has its natural habitat in the Champions League. Our players have a lot of experience in this competition, so they approach the matches with the right mentality and focus."
Ranieri also took the time to praise Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, saying: "He deserves to coach a big Italian club."
Follow GOAL.COM USA on
For all the latest action, check out the Fox Soccer Plus FREE Trial
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.