Inzaghi: Bisseck played on painkillers against Arsenal | OneFootball

Yann Bisseck was one of Inter’s best players in their Champions League win over Arsenal, but coach Simone Inzaghi explained his fitness was far from ideal as he took a ‘painkiller’ before the match and applied an ‘ice pack’ on his ribs during the break.

The German defender delivered a rock-solid display as he looked dominant on aerial duels and held firm as a left centre-back of Inter’s defensive trio, either supporting Darmian in limiting Arsenal star Bukayo Saka or clearing every threat coming from the central channel.

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Bisseck’s start to the season was also marked by some mistakes and distractions that cost his side points, but also by impressive displays such as the one at Manchester City. However, Inzaghi insisted he doesn’t need to ‘prove anything’ and should just ‘keep’ playing the way he’s doing.

Inzaghi: Bisseck is ‘incredibly strong’, he took a ‘painkiller’ before Arsenal game

“For me, Bisseck is an incredibly strong player,” Inzaghi commented during a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia.

“His only issue is that there are other defenders who are also very strong. But he played against Manchester City and Arsenal; he doesn’t need to prove anything to me, he just has to keep going like this.

epa11678430 YB’s goalkeeper David von Ballmoos (R) in action against Inter’s Yann Bisseck during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between BSC Young Boys and FC Inter, in Bern, Switzerland, 23 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE

“Bisseck played with a rib injury, after taking a painkiller, so he did incredibly well, and the medical staff did a great job getting him back on his feet.

“In the first half, he had an ice pack on, but he said he wasn’t going to back down from anything.”

Inter picked up their third consecutive clean sheet since leaking four goals against Juventus, and this was also the fourth time they did not concede in as many Champions League games.

“Well, it’s definitely good news,” Inzaghi added.

“Beyond tonight’s victory, in the last eight games, we’ve had seven wins and one draw. Every team tries to challenge us; we know where we did well and where we made mistakes, and we’re working on that.

“We know it’s tough to play so much, but it’s my job to make the best choices. I’m here to make the best decisions possible.”