Inter Milan & Turkey Superstar Offers Verdict On Congested Fixture Schedule: “Mentally Harder Than Physically’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu offered his verdict on a brutal fixture schedule after last night’s victory at Bayern Munich.

Speaking to InterTV via FCInterNews, the Turkish playmaker hailed his side’s performance at the Allianz Arena.

Despite facing long odds in Germany, Inter returned home victorious.

Indeed, Lautaro Martinez and Davide Frattesi inspired the Nerazzurri to a scintillating 2-1 win.

Meanwhile, Calhanoglu started in his favorite position against a side that tried to lure him away from Serie A last summer.

However, the 31-year-old turned down Bayern Munich’s advances out of loyalty to the San Siro outfit.

Little did he know the two sides would lock horns in the Champions League quarter-finals less than a year later.

But he chose the winning team in this case.

“A wonderful evening,” he said after the game. “We knew Bayern Munich is a very strong team with a lot of quality.

“But we came here trying to play our game and never give up.

“Especially in the first half we played really well, we created a lot of chances.

“Then in the second half, we eased off a bit, but in the end, we won and we’re happy.”

Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu Discusses Grueling Fixture Schedule

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Simone Inzaghi’s charges have no time to rest.

Indeed, they’ll resume their Serie A title defense next weekend with a must-win home clash against Cagliari.

“Playing so much keeps us in rhythm, and that’s a good thing,” Calhanoglu confirmed. “It takes a lot of sacrifice, it’s not easy.

“However, it’s more mentally tough than physically. Still, we’re happy, because it means we spend more time together.”

However, Inter savored the win last night.

“Beautiful,” Calhanoglu added. “It’s not easy to win here.

“But we’ve got everything it takes and I congratulate the team for reacting so well after Parma.

“Now there’s the second leg, but we’re pumped – we’ve got one foot forward.”

Asked what Inter must do to get the job done at the San Siro, Calhanoglu replied: “It’ll be really intense.

“Our fans will be there to support us and we can’t wait to play because we want to keep going.”