Diego Godin admits he had difficulty adapting to Antonio Conte’s system at Inter, but took time to work his way up the pecking order. ‘I have to respect those who are playing.’
Sports Livestream ⚽ JOIN NOW for FREE
Instant access to the BT Sport, Sky Sports and Eurosport
The Uruguay international spent much of this season struggling to break into the starting XI, but has been used regularly in the last few games, sending Milan Skriniar to the bench.
“After playing in a different system for so many years, I took time to understand what the coach wanted of me, as I have very different movements compared to Atletico Madrid or Uruguay,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 Europa League quarter-final win over Bayer Leverkusen.
“It’s a very different way of playing, a lot of running back and pressing high. I am in good shape now and can help the team, also with my experience, as we’re into the first Inter semi-final for 10 years.
“If the coach wants, I’ll play upfront! I can play on the right, or the left, it’s all fine. I feel good and I think we’re all putting in better individual performances because we are playing well as a team.”
That attitude was also evident when Godin didn’t grumble throughout the season at his diminished status.
“As far as I am concerned, respect is everything. I knew that if I wasn’t playing, it meant I had to work harder, so that’s what I did. I trained even more during the lockdown, I came back stronger and slowly got into the starting line-ups, always respecting my teammates.
“If I am on the bench, I have to respect those who are playing, even if I know everyone always wants to play. I put the team first, the important thing is that Inter wins.”
