Pep Guardiola picks out unexpected choice for Inter Milan’s most dangerous player
When asked to identify the most threatening player from Inter Milan ahead of the Champions League final, Pep Guardiola singled out goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The Manchester City manager expressed admiration for Inter’s playing style as his team prepares to face the Italian powerhouse, aiming to achieve a historic treble.
Onana, aged 27, has had an exceptional debut season at San Siro since joining from Ajax, attracting rumors of a lucrative transfer to Chelsea.
In his customary manner, Guardiola analyzed Inter’s approach to the game during his pre-match press conference and acknowledged the significance of center-back Alessandro Bastoni to Simeone Inzaghi’s squad.
“For the way they play, with the high press, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper to take the position to build-up. Really, really good,” the City manager hailed ahead of the match in Istanbul.
“All the processes they do… with Bastoni on the left side especially, is exceptional. The quality to link with the strikers, the ability for an extra pass. We have to try to defend, I don’t know how, but defend these connections. With the ball, try to attack. Difficult against five at the back, we have try to find a solution to be more effective to find a solution.”
Despite finishing third in Serie A and facing uncertainty regarding Inzaghi’s future, Inter Milan’s journey to the Champions League final has been remarkable. They overcame tough competition in the group stage, which included Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and then went on to defeat Porto, Benfica, and their arch-rivals AC Milan, setting themselves up for a shot at glory.
Andre Onana has played a vital role in Inter’s European success, particularly considering the challenge of filling the shoes of the experienced goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. Although Handanovic continues to serve as the team’s captain, Onana’s impressive performances have limited the Slovenian veteran to just 16 appearances this season.
Not only the individuals associated with Inter Milan, but also newly-appointed Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, holds a high opinion of Andre Onana. Reports suggest that Pochettino is a keen admirer of the Cameroonian goalkeeper. In order to secure Onana’s services, Chelsea would be willing to include their current goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as part of a player-plus-cash deal.
Inter Milan’s financial difficulties may force them to sell their first-choice goalkeeper during the upcoming summer transfer window. The two clubs, Chelsea and Inter, have established a good relationship through several completed deals in recent years. Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, addressed speculations regarding his client’s future last month, emphasizing that Onana is fully focused on maintaining his performances and not letting transfer rumors distract him.
“Transfer rumours are normal at this stage, but I prefer not to talk about it because it’s very early and now the boy he is focussed only on the field,” Botines is quoted as saying by Tuttomercatoweb.
“We have a five-year contract with Inter, he has another four years on his contract and now he’s focused only the Champions League final. He still has a long contract, he’s calm. He is very happy, he plays in the strongest team in Italy.”
Inter Milan’s last Champions League victory occurred in 2010 as part of their memorable treble achievement under the management of Jose Mourinho. Since then, they have not claimed the prestigious title.
However, with Andre Onana continuing his exceptional form throughout the season, there is a possibility that the Nerazzurri could defy the odds and surprise the favored Manchester City to reclaim their status as European champions.
If Onana maintains his outstanding performances, Inter Milan could potentially become the kings of Europe once again.
Pep Guardiola picks out unexpected choice for Inter Milan’s most dangerous player
