REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MAY 04: Giuseppe Marotta, Sports CEO of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on May 04, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Inter President Beppe Marotta believes they earned the right to be among the Champions League favourites, even while focusing on financial ‘sustainability as an ethical target to be achieved.’
It kicks off at the BayArena at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta-Real Madrid on the Liveblog.
As the Nerazzurri are on the verge of securing direct access to the Round of 16 as one of the top eight teams, it has made them one of the favourites to win the trophy.
“The Champions League is a tournament, so every game can be decisive for the destiny of one team or another. We are seeing right now that some of the biggest clubs are in extraordinarily negative situations, but it’s still early days. A lot will change over the next few months,” assured Marotta on Sky Sport Italia.
Bayer Leverkusen nearly won the Treble last season, denied only by Atalanta in the Europa League Final, so this is a head-to-head between the reigning champions of Germany and Italy.
“We are very happy with our journey because, like Bayer Leverkusen, we have found a solid group of players we can rely upon and the coach is sharing out the minutes between them. It is a very important bond between the coach and his players,” added Marotta.
Marotta sees Inter in Champions League pantheon
Can Inter really be considered among the favourites to win the Champions League and is that something they are prepared to embrace?
“We have grown over the years and want to be protagonists in the Champions League. We are in a position where it is only right that we do that. The table is provisional right now and can be totally transformed over the next few months.”
Inter have been able to succeed despite keeping spending to a minimum, largely bringing in only free agents to bolster the existing group.
It says something about the solidity of Marotta’s leadership, first as CEO and then President, that the switch from Suning to Oaktree as club owners was barely noticeable.
“All clubs need to focus on sustainability as an ethical target to be achieved. A lot of money has been spent in recent years and football needs to find a balance again,” added Marotta.
“I believe in competence of those in charge, we are fortunate to have a management group that has been working together for many years and we achieved good results both in terms of the transfer market and on the field.
“Oaktree has put a lot of faith in us, delegating us to deal with this season, we are happy and working well. This is an ideal rapport with the owners.”
