Pavard: "Monaco is a tricky opponent, but we are ready: goal is to qualify"

From the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, Benjamin Pavard, alongside Mister Inzaghi, answered journalists' questions in the pre-match press conference of Inter vs Monaco, matchday eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

What is the difference between last year's team and this year's? Is there a difference in awareness? ‘I came here to win as many titles as possible, and they have the same mentality as me here. I arrived last year, but Inter have been winning trophies for many years. The Champions League is a key goal for us and we are confident. We are preparing well for the matches with the coach and the staff; we are calm, we have started preparations and tomorrow we will try to qualify against Monaco. They are a good team and it will be a difficult match, but we have prepared for it very well and we will do everything to win tomorrow.'

What is the most important aspect of going head-to-head with an opponent for the Scudetto? ‘We had a lot of points last year but football is not easy: you can't always win with an 18-point lead. This year, we have Napoli who are doing well; they play one game a week and have a lot of energy. We sometimes play many games in a row, but we train well and rest well. We feel good, and tomorrow we will prove it again.’

What is the secret to handling matches like tomorrow's? ‘It's a game we prepared for like any other, as we never underestimate the opponent. I have experience, as do the coach, his staff, my teammates, players like Lautaro, who has won so many trophies. We all know what we have to do, and tomorrow we will try to prove it. If we have a solid performance, I believe we will win it.’

Is there a particular reason why you haven't scored yet? ‘There's no reason: I almost scored against Leipzig but my goal is to defend well. I prefer to keep a clean sheet, then it is a bonus if I can also score goals for the team. Why not score my first goal with Inter tomorrow?’

What is the secret of Dumfries' momentum? ‘Denzel has extraordinary qualities. He is fast, he can jump, he is physical. He's one of the best in his role, he's performing very well and good in training. I'm happy for him and I hope he continues like this.’

It is often said that Serie A is the finishing school for defenders - what have you learnt in a year and a half? ‘It's true. We work a lot on a tactical level, we know how to press, how to work on transitions. We work a lot and as a defender, I like being able to improve on this aspect as well.’

Where did 'Benji the Interista' come from? Do you like it? 'When I was on the plane with my agents, people just started calling me that. Inter is a club I've always followed. When I came here, I was immediately impressed by the team, the fans, the environment; it was something natural and I'm happy to be here.'

How do you see Bisseck's growth? ‘Yann is very promising, he has great potential, he also speaks French and we talk to each other in the language. I am very happy with his growth. He shows his qualities on the pitch, he can play in more roles like me, there is a healthy competition and I hope it continues like that.’

Compared to Bastoni, do you feel more restrained in the offensive phase? ‘The coach is very open: he has great ideas and leaves us a lot of freedom. Bastoni does this role perfectly offensively and defensively, whereas I think more defensively, about not exposing our defence too much. I try to do it at the right time, but it's something I can still improve on.’

Could you be among the favourites in this Champions League? ‘It's early. We have a game to win tomorrow to be among the top eight. A team like Inter are always among the favourites, but we will concentrate on tomorrow. Of course it's a goal to go all the way but there is no point adding pressure.’