Carlos Augusto: "We have focused on ourselves, we want all three points" | OneFootball

There's one day to go until matchday four of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, in which Inter will face Kairat Almaty. Carlos Augusto spoke in the press-conference together with Cristian Chivu. How much would a win tomorrow mean?

"We know that in this Champions League it's important to win as many games as possible, earn points and the goal difference counts. They aren't easy games, but we have the home advantage. They will come here and try to put out a strong performance, but we must do everything we can to earn all three points and focus on ourselves. Later, we have four tough games in the Champions League."

Was the trouble against Verona on the right a one-time thing, or do we need to pay closer attention to that area?

"We work a lot on both defence and attack. At times we need to be more focused to improve our defending, but we’re always working on it. The important thing, though, is that we won.”

You’re conceding less than at the start of the season, but when it happens, you seem to feel the impact. Is that something psychological?

"There are moments of weakness in the match. We wanted to dominate for the full 90 minutes, but you also have to know how to be behind too. Sunday was tough, but these victories also matter for the team’s spirit. If we keep going like this, we have to try to win the competitions we play in."

Do you feel more valued than last year? What position do you feel most comfortable in? "I feel more integrated. The coach tries to rotate the squad, he’s always close to the group, and that really helps those who play less to build their confidence. We work hard during the week, and when we get the chance to play, we have to give our best. We need to make things difficult for the coach to choose the lineup, but we have a great group and we're confident we'll achieve great things. As for my position, I just like to play, whether as a left-back or a full-back doesn’t matter. We’re a very attacking team. I’m a left-back, I want to keep learning, and I have teammates like Dima and Basto who are great players, so regardless of the role, I can still improve and deliver great performances."

You weren't called up to the National team? Were you expecting to be?

"The National team is everyone's goal, and of course this is a World Cup year, but I work first and foremost to help the coach and Inter win matches. Obviously, playing for the national team is a goal, and I’ll do my best to be ready for that as well. I will respect the decisions, but I’ll keep working because that is also a personal objective."

0 goals conceded in the Champions League, 12 in Serie A. Is there a reason for that disparity?

"In Champions League matches, we’re probably more focused, but we need to do the same in the league. We know that goal difference is important in the Champions League, but we have to work hard regardless of the opponent because our goal is always to improve."

You said Chivu has given you motivaton - how?

"After the end of last season, the coach and staff supported us a lot. He was a great player and knows what the locker room is like, and this helped everyone regain confidence. He provided the right motivation to work hard and achieve great things."

In which areas do you still feel behind?

"We're never perfect. I need to improve and keep growing. There are some weak points I can work on. I am ambitious, although I will never be perfect. I have great teammates and a fantastic staff who always support me."