Thuram: ‘Inter wanted to win, but happy with Champions League qualification’

Marcus Thuram has admitted that Inter were slightly disappointed not to beat Real Sociedad in their final game of the Champions League groups stage, but overall the team are happy with their progression to the knock-out rounds.

The Nerazzurri played out a 0-0 draw at San Siro against the eventual group winners, having already guaranteed their qualification in the previous round of fixtures.

Still, finishing second has an impact on Inter’s potential opponents in the Round of 16, as they will now have to face a Group winner, meaning they could be drawn against the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or reigning champions Manchester City.

“We knew it was going to be like a final in our group, we wanted to win but we are happy to be in the round of 16,” Thuram told Sky Sport News after the full-time whistle on Tuesday night

“We played a decent match against a very good team, they are all tough matches in the Champions League.”

The Frenchman was asked if there were any opponents he would like to avoid in the next round of the competition, but it is currently too soon to tell, he said.

“Everything is complicated, soon we will know who we will play against.”

There is no rest for the Nerazzurri, who return to Serie A action at the weekend with a trip to Rome to face Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

Inter and Juventus are currently locked in an enthralling back-and-forth race for the Serie A title.

“Yes, all focus is on Sunday’s game,” Thuram siad.