Inter will have to resist City and utilise transitions, says former ISL winner Jofre Mateu ahead of Champions League final

Jofre Mateu is backing his former colleague for the UCL final.

Ahead of the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan on 11th June (12:30 AM IST), Sony Sports Network set up a brief interaction with their panellist and former Spanish midfielder, Jofre Mateu, who fielded questions from select members of the media. 

After emerging from the Barcelona youth system, Jofre spent a major part of his career in Spain, representing renowned clubs like Levante, Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano, Real Valladolid and Girona. Interestingly, his first move away from Spain was to India, after he was drafted by ATK in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League and even went on to win the cup; an experience he called “one of the best” of his career.

All praise for Pep

Having spent his time at Barcelona during Pep Guardiola’s stint as a player and captain at the club, Jofre was all praise for the Manchester City manager, whom he called the “best manager ever". He added, "it's not just about the titles but about the style and the identity."

When asked if the pressure of a treble might take a toll on the Citizens’ nerves, the Sony Sports analyst said that nerves are undeniably going to be there considering the occasion, but backed City to win their maiden Champions League trophy as long as they do what they have been doing all season.

Lukaku or Dzeko?

One of the major talking points ahead of the clash for European glory is the choice between strikers Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku that Simone Inzaghi has to make. With Lautaro Martinez almost sure to start as one of the two upfront, the manager will have a hard time choosing who to pair with the Argentine.

On Lukaku, Jofre said, "Lukaku allows the defenders to breathe by holding up the ball, picking up fouls etc." But he backed Dzeko to start and said, "It's close but Inzaghi might opt for Dzeko's ability to attack the spaces, which is crucial against a side like City."

Three-at-the-back for Inter a hurdle for City?

The Nerazzurri will arrive at Istanbul as underdogs and might search for confidence in the fact that their three at the back formation could test the Premier League champions who have not faced a team playing three (or five) at the back in this season’s Champions League. Additionally, their last two losses (against Brentford and Tottenham) in the Premier League and their defeat in the only other UCL final appearance (against Chelsea in 2021), were all against clubs that employed a three or five at the back.

Jofre Mateu admitted that the few times City have struggled are against “teams that sit deep and play a low block.” But the former FC Goa star trusted his compatriot Guardiola to be ready for the tactical challenges. Jofre pointed out Pep’s readiness to make tactical tweaks and suggested that “even Haaland” might be asked to modify his role in such a situation.

Inzaghi will change details?

When asked if Inzaghi might switch up to deal with the Sky Blues' high-press, Jofre remarked, "I don't think Inzaghi will change too much." He continued, "Inzaghi will prepare for the final but the key aspects for Inter will be the same: to resist City, to be reactive and to utilise transitions."

“I don’t expect anything too different or revolutionary,” said Jofre towards the end of the meeting, with regards to how the final will play out and chose City as his favourites.

Watch the LIVE coverage of UEFA Champions League 2022- 23 final: Manchester City vs Inter Milan on Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 11th June 2023 from 12.30 am IST.