Ex AC Milan Star Hails Inter Milan Coach: ‘He’s Like A Friend To Us’

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu feels that Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi is “like a friend” to the players in the squad.

The 30-year-old spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 Serie A draw against Lazio yesterday, via FCInterNews. He also said that he feels this has been the best season of his career.

Inzaghi has certainly been a coach who has gotten the best out of Inter’s squad.

The Nerazzurri coach has seen a number of players grow and improve under his watch.

Perhaps no player has shown this more than former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Calhanoglu.

There has never been any doubt regarding Calhanoglu’s talent. But the Turkish international had not always shown consistency prior to joining Inter.

And even at Inter, it is not as though Calhanoglu just instantly found his groove.

But in each season, the Turk has taken on a more and more important role in the team.

This has coincided with Calhanoglu playing deeper and deeper on the pitch, and having a more well-rounded style of play.

Hakan Calhanoglu: Simone Inzaghi “Like A Friend” To Inter Squad

Calhanoglu said of his coach Inzaghi that “His secret is that we’re like friends.”

“He’s our coach. But he’s open with us, he’s always talking with us.”

The midfielder noted that “Before the matches he starts to get more irritable. But he’s a calm and positive guy.”

Of his own form this season, Calhanoglu noted that “Everyone always says that at the age of 29 or thirty, a player arrives in terms of their experience.”

“I think that this has been the best season of my career,” the former Milan man added.

Of the transition to playing as a holding midfielder, Calhanoglu said that “Mentally it wasn’t difficult.”

“But I needed confidence and to believe in the position.”