Sommer: ‘A great team gets up after a difficult moment’

Yann Sommer believes that Inter will have opportunities to win titles as long as they continue to work hard, and has explained how changing shape affects his role between the sticks. 

The Nerazzurri veteran spoke alongside head coach Cristian Chivu at the pre-match press conference ahead of Inter’s Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise on Monday night.  

Sommer says that Inter have always been able to keep the positivity among the group despite a worrying start to their Serie A campaign, which included one win and two defeats over their first three matches. 

“It’s always been a good atmosphere. The beginning of the season was tough, but the atmosphere has always been positive. Working hard has changed the situation.

“The game in Rome was important for us, and now we focus on the Champions League. It will also be important tomorrow night.”

Sommer was asked what difference his compatriot Manuel Akanji has made to the Nerazzurri back line since his arrival from Manchester City over the summer. 

He said: “We made two mistakes against Juve, that happens, then we found a better balance and that’s been important. Akanji has brought calmness and we’re very happy to have him. The team is working well and that showed against Roma. 

Sommer also explained how Inter’s change of approach at the back affects his role as goalkeeper. 

“If we play high, my position at the back also changes. I like how we’ve defended in recent games, and it’s important to be aggressive if we lose the ball. If we play high, we have less ground to make up to recover the ball. But, against Roma, we showed that we can play a low block as well.” 

And on Tuesday’s opponents, Union SG, Sommer said: “They’re a good team and we are ready. They have a lot of character and a new, young coach. They are tactically intelligent and it will be an interesting game.” 

Sommer concluded his press conference with a few words of encouragement for his teammates when asked about their response to last season’s Champions League final defeat. 

“Last year was tough, but that’s how football is. A great team gets up after a moment like that. We are working to do better this year, one step at a time with the new coach. I’m convinced that this team will have good opportunities to win titles.”