Inter have psychological edge over Bayern: Leonardo
Champions League holders Inter Milan will go into their last 16 first leg against Bayern Munich with the psychological edge, said the Italian side's coach Leonardo.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: February 19, 2011 08:27 PM IST
Champions League holders Inter Milan will go into their last 16 first leg against Bayern Munich with the psychological edge, said the Italian side's coach Leonardo.
Bayern suffered a 2-0 defeat to Inter in last year's final, a result Leonardo believes will play on the Bavarians' minds come Wednesday when the sides meet at the San Siro.
"That will still be playing on their minds," said Leonardo, who has revived Inter's fortunes in Serie A since replacing Rafael Benitez in late December with eight wins in their last 10 league games.
"It will still be fresh in the Bayern players memory that Inter ended years of Champions League frustration by winning it when they beat them. A lot of things have changed since then but the past will always be there."
Leonardo, who is one of those rare breeds who have managed both Milan clubs, said he wouldn't change Inter's tactics much over the two legs.
"I don't believe that our style of play will alter dramatically between the home match and the away clash but of course we respect our opponents and we will have a good look at them beforehand.
"In theory, at home in the second leg Bayern will have a better chance to turn the tie around or to retain any advantage they may have got from the first leg.
"But I think if we secure a good result in the first leg we can contain them away."
Leonardo, whose side play Cagliari later on Saturday, is hoping that Brazilian defender Lucio and Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder will both be fit for Wednesday's match.