Inter ready for defence

Posted Tuesday, September 14, 2010 by PA

Inter Milan begin the defence of their Champions League crown with a visit to Enschede to face FC Twente.

Victory over Bayern Munich was Jose Mourinho's parting gift to Inter before heading to Real Madrid, and it will be an Inter side with a very different philosophy that takes the field.

Rafael Benitez, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, is yet to convince the Nerazzurri fans after taking four points from their opening two games while also suffering a comprehensive loss to Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup.

But despite the changes, Inter will have the responsibility of being defending champions, something they should savour rather than fear, according to club president Massimo Moratti.

"No doubt there is the weight of responsibility, but there is also the beauty of responsibility," Moratti said.

"I hope our players feel the latter. The important thing is to be absolutely focused on the match, as it is definitely not easy.

"To start away and against a team like FC Twente will be complicated. I hope the players understand how important it is."

While Inter could hardly be more experienced at this level, Twente are making their debut after claiming the Eredivisie crown for the first time in 45 years last term.

"For me and the players the Champions League is new, but there is no sense of pressure or stress," said coach Michel Preud'homme, who took over from the departed Steve McLaren this summer.

"FC Twente have gained a lot of experience in recent years and played a lot of important games in the Europa League.

"This is a different level again, but we have some confidence."

Preud'homme has no significant injuries to worry about, but could mix things up by bringing in midfielder Denny Landzaat to firm things up at the expense of striker Luuk de Jong.

Benitez must compensate for the absence of Thiago Motta while Dejan Stankovic is also struggling with an injury.

However, Maicon is ready to return after sitting out Saturday's 2-1 victory over Udinese while Cristian Chivu is likely to start again at left-back despite a disappointing showing filling in there at the weekend.