Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has warned that Bodo/Glimt will pose a serious challenge while confirming the club continue to work behind the scenes on the transfer market.
The message was clear after the Champions League play-off draw paired the Nerazzurri with the Norwegian side.
Speaking to Sky Sport, via FCInterNews, immediately after the ceremony in Nyon, Zanetti opened with a light remark about the conditions awaiting Inter.
“We’ll need to wrap up well because we’ve seen the temperatures. It will be very cold,” he joked.
Zanetti Warns Inter Not To Underestimate Bodo/Glimt
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Javier Zanetti attend The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 at the Teatro Alla Scala on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
The former captain quickly shifted to football matters.
“We’ll have to be very careful. They showed in their last match against Atletico that they can win on a difficult pitch. We must stay very alert and prepare in the best possible way.”
Zanetti admitted Inter had hoped to avoid this extra round but stressed the team’s ambitions remain high.
“Inter want to be protagonists in the Champions League. Unfortunately we missed that point against Liverpool that might have taken us straight to the round of 16. But we accept everything and now we face a team that absolutely must not be underestimated.”
“We could have faced Benfica, coached by someone great like Mourinho, a person we know very well and share many memories with. The draw decided otherwise. Now we prepare for these two matches and we’ll see later.”
Preparation will include adapting to the artificial pitch in Norway.
“We will take care of every detail. Playing on synthetic turf can bring risks. We must stay focused.”
On transfers, Zanetti confirmed work continues.
“Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin are working hard. If an opportunity comes… But this team is already showing it is strong. We want to compete both in the league and in the Champions League.”
