Inter Milan & Turkey Star Hails Gritty Defensive Display Vs Arsenal In Champions League: ‘Sometimes You Need To Suffer’

Hakan Calhanoglu feels that Inter Milan showed they know how to “suffer” and “sacrifice” with their defensive performance against Arsenal.

The Turkish international spoke to UEFA, via FCInterNews, at the end of the 1-0 Champions League victory.

Inter took three massive points in the Champions League yesterday evening.

But it certainly wasn’t easy. The Nerazzurri were up against one of the favourites to win the competition in the form of Arsenal.

The first half of yesterday’s match was relatively even.

Inter started off the more aggressive of the two teams, creating a few dangerous chances. Then Arsenal gradually played their way into, with the match becoming more even and less frenetic.

Right at the end of the first half, Inter took the lead. Midfielder Calhanoglu scored from the penalty spot after Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino handled in the area.

And from then on, Inter focused on defending as Arsenal pushed for an equalizer for the entire second half.

The Nerazzurri did attempt to create some counterattacking chances.

But by and large, Inter’s priority was simply stopping Arsenal.

Calhanoglu Hails Inter Defensive Display Vs Arsenal: “Sometimes You Have To Suffer”

Calhanoglu certainly enjoyed his first start back after a thigh strain that sidelined him for a couple of weeks.

“I’m very happy to be back from injury,” the Turkish international said after the match.

“And obviously to have scored the winning goal.”

“This is how football is,” Calhanoglu said of Inter’s gritty and defensively-minded performance.

“Sometimes you have to suffer, and today we worked very well.”

Calhanoglu declared that “We needed a lot of sacrifice from the whole team to earn this huge win.”

The Nerazzurri’s victory takes them to ten points in the Champions League “league phase.”

Inter are currently in the top eight in the standings and on course for a place directly in the round of sixteen.