MILAN - Frank de Boer was keen to praise Inter's discipline and character in Thursday's hard-fought win over Southampton.
After a slow opening period, the Nerazzurri improved after the break and while Antonio Candreva's goal ultimately earned the points it was the team's resilience that pleased the boss most.
“We must aim to win every game if we want to go on in the Europa League. I want to credit my players today because they put in a very disciplined display," De Boer said after the final whistle.
"The first half wasn't pretty because neither team wanted to lose. The second half was much better and it was only after [Marcelo] Brozovic's red card that we struggled a bit playing with a man less.
“It was important for us to stay tight as a unit because Southampton are very good in the air. We managed to hold our own with them.
“Credit must go to Samir [Handanovic] too – he's an absolutely fantastic keeper.
“All I said to the lads at half time was to go out there and play with no hang-ups. You need character to win games – character and clear heads. We had both of those tonight.
“I want my teams to build play from the back and my full-backs to push up high. Our wingers need to get in between the lines and cause problems for our opponents. That's what I want Eder to do too when he plays wide.
“We can improve all aspects of our game. We played with less fear in the second half and played the ball better."
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