Pavard: Inter players ‘want revenge’ after loss vs Man City | OneFootball

Inter defender Benjamin Pavard insists he ‘needed’ to learn a new type of football when he joined the Nerazzurri in 2023 and sees desire for ‘revenge’ in his teammates who already lost the 2023 Champions League Final.

Pavard spoke to French newspaper L’Équipe three days before the highly anticipated 2025 Champions League Final between his Inter side and PSG in Munich.

“PSG are a great team. They’ve shown it for years, and I think they are even more consistent now,” the French defender said via Gazzetta.

“They are a solid group with a great coach, one of the best in the world. The team plays well, and it’s a joy to watch them, but on Saturday, we won’t be watching.”

Pavard already won the Champions League at Bayern Munich, beating PSG in the Final in 2020. However, the French defender missed that game due to an injury.

The France international missed the recent epic semifinals against Barcelona, but is expected to return to action for the Final on Saturday.

“There are moments when we’ll suffer, but I am not worried,” he said.

Pavard: Inter players ‘want revenge’ in Champions League Final

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammate Benjamin Pavard after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We have experienced players who are accustomed to these situations. Many players want revenge after the final we lost against Manchester City. That loss taught them a lot; they’ve become even stronger since then.

“We can achieve something extraordinary. It’s not the time to think about it, but for some, this could be the last big chance. I’m already proud of what we’ve done together and proud of my career, too. I’m happy to be part of this group.”

Pavard was not yet part of the Inter squad when they lost the Champions League Final in 2023, as he joined the Nerazzurri only a few months later.

“We’re not a team of stars, but we know how to do everything together. We know how to suffer together. If we need to drop back and defend, we know how to do it,” he continued.

Pavard explains Inter’s tactics

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“We can press high, but also sit deep. We don’t start off adapting, but if we see we can’t win the ball high up, we settle into a mid-block. The most important thing is not to concede. Sometimes you have to retreat and suffer to win.”

Pavard usually plays as a right defender in a three-man backline, but Inzaghi’s tactics often make him switch position.

“I have a hybrid role. Sometimes I find myself playing as a right-back, other times as a wing-back. Midfielders might end up playing as centre-backs,” he explained.

“The key aspect is maintaining defensive balance. That’s where the coach focuses the most. When I push forward, Barella covers me. Tactics aren’t a myth here. Everything is studied down to the smallest details. We know what to do in every phase of play, with a little extra freedom. I needed to learn this type of football.”