Yahoo Sports Ex Inter Milan & Partizan Forward: “Red Star’s Win Would Be a Miracle”
Adem Ljajic has delivered his verdict on the upcoming UEFA Champions League showdown between Inter Milan and Red Star Belgrade.
During an interview with Meridian Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, the 33-year-old stated Red Star’s win would be ‘nothing short of a miracle.’
Ljajic, who spent a season at Giuseppe Meazza on loan from Roma in 2015/16, warns Inter not to take the Serbian champions lightly.
Simone Inzaghi’s men desperately need three points to bolster their hopes of securing automatic knockout qualification.
Inter fared well in their Champions League curtain raiser against Manchester City.
A resilient defensive performance at the Etihad Stadium earned the reigning Scudetto holders a 0-0 draw against Pep Guardiola’s team.
However, Inter must put three points on the board tonight as they enter the game odds-on favorites.
Despite their pre-match tag, Ljajic knows better than to underestimate the team he has frequently faced in recent years.
The Novi Pazar forward insists Red Star’s win is far-fetched but reminds everyone that football is ‘a strange game.’
Former Inter Milan & Partizan Forward Adem Ljajic Doubts Red Star’s Chances In Tonight’s Champions League Game
Ljajic recognizes Inter as a ‘serious’ club and believes they won’t let Red Star pull off a miracle at Meazza.
“The victory would be nothing short of a miracle. Inter are first and foremost a serious club, and obviously a great team,” he said.
“Football is a strange game. Anything can happen, but I don’t believe so much in miracles and luck.
“ I believe more in quality, and I think Inter are the big favourites. But in football, you never know anything in advance.”
Ljajic also lauded Inzaghi’s tactical prowess.
“Inter have been playing with three for a long time, a tactically clever match awaits us. Quality will be decisive, and it will certainly be on Inter’s side.“
The former Inter playmaker is aware of the atmosphere produced by the Meazza fans.
“Then it will be played at San Siro and we all know what stadium it is and how difficult it is to play there. The atmosphere is amazing.
“It is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. It has power, strength.
“I was lucky enough to be part of Inter, and I have been there many times with other clubs.
“It will certainly not be easy for Red Star. Against Inter I scored goals, but I also played for them. It is one of the biggest clubs on the planet.
“It’s difficult to play there, let alone win.”
Federico Dimarco has developed into one of the best left-backs in Europe, let alone Serie A.
Ljajic had an opportunity to share the dressing room with the Italian star during his early days at Inter.
“He came from the Primavera to train with us. Back then, there was no one more than the current players.
“This information is not surprising, given how much time has passed.
“Dimarco was there, present, but still fighting for affirmation. Now he has become a serious player.”
