PSG deserved to win: Simone Inzaghi gracefully accepts loss in Champions League final
Simone Inzaghi gracefully accepted defeat after Inter Milan slumped to an embarrassing defeat to Paris Saint Germain in the final of the Champions League. On Saturday, May 31, Inzaghi's men lost 0-5 to Luis Enrique's PSG at Allianz Arena.Inzaghi said he barely recognised his side as PSG raced to their maiden Champions League title, recording their biggest win by margin in the history of the competition. Inzaghi didn't hesitate in saying that PSG were the deserving winners.advertisement"I think PSG deserved to win," Inzaghi told the reporters in a brief press conference.
For Inzaghi, it was a chance to make amends after his team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the Champions League 2023 final in Istanbul. However, PSG didn't give many chances to get a foothold back into the match."There is great disappointment and bitterness because the boys have had a great run this season, and it's hard to end with no titles. As a coach, I'm still proud. We're not satisfied with tonight's game. We approached it badly... We didn't play the final in the best way, but I thanked the boys,' Inzaghi said.'We fully deserved the defeat'Inter Milan faltered under pressure as Dsir Dou and PSG's midfield dominated the contest. From the outset, Inter seemed content to let PSG control possession. However, as the match progressed, the French side's midfield asserted itself more aggressively. Inter made an early effort to play out from the back and briefly gained some rhythm, but PSG's relentless pressing quickly laid bare their defensive frailties.advertisement"We were more tired than PSG, who clinched the French title several weeks ago while we were fighting for the Serie A until the final weekend. We didn't play well technically, they got there first... We knew they were stronger than us, we knew we had to be better, but we fully deserved the defeat," Inzaghi added.Inter must now turn their attention to the Club World Cup in the United States later this year in June. However, Inzaghi acknowledged that the heartbreak of losing the Champions League final will linger.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Who said what: French Open day 9
Key quotes from the ninth day of the French Open at Roland Garros on Monday: "I would not believe that if you told me that two weeks ago. But I trust in myself, but yeah, for sure, if you say that, no, I can't believe . Now it's that, and I'm so happy about it." French wildcard Lois Boisson on whether she could have dreamt of being in the quarter-finals after her shock victory over third seed Jessica Pegula. "I don't really watch football, and I don't really know things about football, so no, it's okay for me if I don't see him, because I will not know what ask about him. Yeah, they won two days ago, and it's unbelievable for the French." Boisson on whether she wanted to meet Ousmane Dembele after the Paris Saint-Germain forward presented the Champions League trophy to the Roland Garros crowd. "Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos is the favourite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak, right? I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all." Alexander Zverev after setting up a quarter-final against Novak Djokovic. "It's been an amazing season for PSG, congratulations to all Parisians... It was very important for this city, this country... PSG to be Champions League winners for the first time. It was a bit complicated to get back to the hotel afterwards, and when I say complicated, I'm being nice." Djokovic on his Sunday trip back from the Parc des Princes, where he watched PSG celebrate their Champions League triumph. "I mean, it is true. I'm not going to argue with that. Most people do say I'm mature. I don't know. I feel like maybe just playing tennis it forces you to grow up faster for some people. Maybe not him . But yeah." Coco Gauff on being described by compatriot Frances Tiafoe as 'Little Miss Mature'. "Thank you guys. I can't cry here, come on, stop. Let me be in peace. I still have a match to go, I'm a professional tennis player, I've got to get ready." Alexander Bublik after reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final with a surprise win over Jack Draper. "To lose to a friend is not that bad. Honestly, as I said before, on the tennis court for me it's fine. Playing a friend, I don't feel additional pressure or feeling uncomfortable or something." Daria Kasatkina after her loss to regular practice partner Mirra Andreeva. "He's just way too good of an opponent to beat. He's already very tough to beat when you are healthy, when you are fit. So when you are injured, it doesn't get any easier." Tallon Griekspoor after retiring injured from his match against Zverev. "I hope I'm going to win it all." World number 361 Boisson is not done yet.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Tennis-Djokovic hits French Open ton, Bublik stuns Draper for last-eight spot
PARIS -Three-times champion Novak Djokovic reached a century of wins at the French Open on Monday by making the quarter-finals in straight sets against Cameron Norrie while fellow seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula crashed out to unfancied opponents. The sixth-seeded Serbian beat Briton Norrie 6-2 6-3 6-2 to edge closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic became the second man to win 100 matches at the Paris Grand Slam after retired 14-times champion Rafael Nadal , to set up a last-eight clash against Alexander Zverev. "It's a number which is very good and nice, but a 101st win is even better," Djokovic told the crowd in French. "It's not finished for me here the tournament and I feel very good and good to make history here. I hope there will be another win here in two days." His German opponent in the last eight spent even less time on the court, third seed Zverev punching his ticket when Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor retired midway through the second set with an abdominal injury. Zverev has reached his seventh French Open quarter-final in the last eight years and is looking to secure a maiden Grand Slam title. "From now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament," Zverev said. "I'm looking forward to the battles ahead, and I'm looking forward to playing the best in the world." SEEDS FALL While Djokovic and Zverev were all smiles, fifth-seeded Briton Jack Draper bid farewell, beaten in four sets by underdog Alexander Bublik, who only a few months ago considered his future in the sport having dropped way down the pecking order. The 27-year-old Kazakh, among the most naturally gifted players on tour who has admitted to lacking the commitment of other top professionals, seized his moment to drop shot his way past young gun Draper for his first Grand Slam quarter-final. Bublik, who had never got past the second round in Paris, hit a staggering 37 drop shots. "Standing here is the best moment of my life, period,", Bublik, in tears, told the crowd. "I'm standing here like I won the thing. I can't cry here, let me be in peace, I'm a professional tennis player, I've got one more match, I've got to get ready." Bublik's victory was the second upset of the day after unheralded Frenchwoman Lois Boisson shook up the women's draw with a three-set shock win over third-seed Jessica Pegula. Boisson, ranked 361st in the world, outplayed the American favourite with a fierce forehand that had the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier on their feet. As if that was not enough for the spectators, they also got to see the Champions League soccer trophy minutes later, following Paris St Germain's victory over Inter Milan on Saturday. PSG forward Ousmane Dembele carried it onto the court to ear-splitting cheers as his team became the second French outfit to lift the European Cup after Olympique de Marseille in 1993. Second seed Coco Gauff was in no mood for surprises, however, when she brushed aside Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 7-5 to stay on course for her first title in Paris. Gauff, who got to the final in 2022 and semis last year, is the youngest American to reach at least the fourth round at seven straight Grand Slams since Venus Williams from 1997-1999. The Americans are guaranteed a semi-finalist with Gauff next facing Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who eased past Hailey Baptiste. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva also booked a last-eight spot by overcoming Australian 17th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3 7-5 to become the youngest player to reach back-to-back French Open quarter-finals in nearly three decades.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
'Choice Of Heart': Maurizio Sarri Returns To Helm Serie A Side Lazio
Last Updated: The 66-year-old Italian replaces Marco Baroni, who stepped down last week, as the head coach of the Serie A side. Italian manager Maurizio Sarri returned to coaching with Serie A side Lazio on Monday, as he replaced Marco Baroni, who stepped down last week. The 66-year-old Italian has not managed any side since stepping down from his role at Lazio in the year 2024. Sarri has been in charge of the Roman side in 139 outings, winning 65 assignments, drawing 30 and losing the rest. Lazio President Claudio Lotito announced, 'Maurizio Sarri has returned home." ALSO READ| Antoine Griezmann Inks Atletico Madrid Contract Extension 'His return is a choice of heart, conviction and vision," the club chief added. 'With him we want to resume a path interrupted too soon, knowing that together we can bring back enthusiasm, identity and ambition," the 68-year-old added. Sarri began his first stint at Lazio in 2021 and helped the side to a second place finish in the Italian top-flight in the 2023 season. The Lazio faithful would hope that Sarri can pick up where he left off. advetisement 'Welcome back to your home Commander." Sarri, who has had a journeyman managerial career, clinched the Serie A title with Juventus in the year 2020 and led Premier League side Chelsea to the UEFA Europa League crown in 2019. Sarri also captured the imaginations of the football-crazy Napoli fans with his thesis of how the game could be played in what came to be known as 'Sarri-ball', a highly expansive and attacking style of football. ALSO READ| Macron On Violence In Paris After PSG's UCL Win: 'Nothing Can Justify…' Baroni helped Lazio to a seventh place finish in his only season in charge of the club, but the Roman side missed out on the European places on the final day of the campaign due to their defeat at home to Lecce. Location : Italy First Published: June 03, 2025, 00:22 IST
