Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto’o will be the focal points of all the hype surrounding the UEFA Champions league clash between reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan and European holders Barcelona. Ibrahimovic travels to the San Siro to play against his former employers, while Samuel Eto’o is also expected to start against his former Catalan team mates. Ibrahimovic was bought by Barca from Inter in the summer transfer window for Eto’o plus cash.
The coaches however, are trying to take off any pressure on the strikers by extending their support to them.
Inter coach, Jose Mourinho said, “It’s just the first game. I don’t want to think Barça are the favourites. We have started to play in a different way and we want to become a team with our own characteristics that work for both Italian and European football. Eto’o is always motivated, and he was born to win. He loves playing football and when he’s on the pitch he becomes another person. He left Barcelona, but I’m sure it’s still in his heart. I don’t think this match will be something extraordinary for him, he will play like he always does. He doesn’t have to prove anything, we all know his qualities.”
His counterpart at Barca said, “This game won’t determine who wins the group. This is a very tough group, with four national champions. It’s a pleasure to be in Italy. Last season we didn’t face a single Italian opponent. Personally it’s an honour for me to face a coach as great as Mourinho who has won trophies in three different countries. Inter have won four Scudetti in a row, with different players and coaches, which proves their strength. We have to play great to win. They’re a strong team. Mourinho may have revealed his starting eleven but I won’t do it, I never do it. I wanted Ibrahimovi? because we knew him and his winning mentality well. He’s adapting very quickly and we wait for him to be 100 per cent.”
The clubs have previously met once in the Champions League. The teams were in the same group in the 2002 -03 season and Barca won convincingly 3-0 at home, while the tie ended in a goalless draw in Italy. Only four players from the 2002 tie between the clubs still form part of their teams. Inter’s Javier Zanetti and Barcelona’s Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez played while Andres Iniesta was an unused substitute.
The Catalans are looking to become the first team to defend their Champions League crown, while Inter hope to achieve their first glory in Europe in 44 years. The statistics support Inter in today’s encounter as they have lost just once at home in 15 games to Spanish oppositions.
Both the teams have no suspensions for the game, but have players out with injury.Esteban Cambiasso, Marco Materazzi are set to miss out for Inter while Dejan Stankovic is doubtful. Bojan Krkic, Rafael Marquez and Gabriel Milito are injured for Barcelona.