MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 24: Former player and TV expert Lothar Matthäus is seen prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on February 24, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Lothar Matthäus believes that Inter have a strong chance of recording a positive result away against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night, but insists that the Nerazzurri have to take the game to their opponents if they are to return to Italy with the points.
Bayern will host Inter at the Allianz Arena for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night, with the return leg set for April 16 in San Siro.
Matthäus spent four years playing for both teams involved in tonight’s match, making an almost identical number of appearances for both (150 for Bayern, 153 for Inter).
Like many, he feels that Bayern’s current injury list gives Inter an advantage in what is otherwise a fairly evenly-matched contest.
“It’s not an easy moment, but (Bayern) can focus on the Champions League given they have a six-point lead over Bayern Leverkusen and better goal difference in the Bundesliga,” the 1990 World Cup winner told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
He continued: “There is a lack of players who can make the difference such as Musiala, Davies and Upamecano. Ito won’t start, he has also been a decisive option from the bench. Don’t forget Neuer, either.
“This all complicates things, especially if you have to play against the best team in Italy. It wasn’t easy before, now it’s even more difficult for Kompany with this situation.”
Matthäus explains: Inter need to put Bayern under pressure
Matthäus went on to explain that despite Bayern’s injuries, Inter cannot afford to sit back and wait for counter-attacking opportunities at the Allianz Arena. Instead, he implores them to put the defensive work in Bayern’s court.
“For Inter, it’s important to push the same way in attack, and not just think about defending. You’re taking a risk if you give Bayern the chance to keep hold of the ball. It’s better to do the opposite, put them under pressure. When Kompany’s team suffers, they can’t play ‘their’ game in both phases.
“Inzaghi has to find a way to counter them, and he can succeed because he has good players and a good unit. The team spirit has grown in recent years, the coach has been there for four seasons and that’s good, that’s how you get results.”
