He is confirming himself as the best midfielder in Serie A in terms of numbers and performances but as of today he is also starting to be a top-tier player in Europe. One of the leaders of Inter, Hakan Calhanoglu gave an interview to DAZN highlighting his growth and self-confidence: «I said months ago that I am among the best directors in the world, no one believed me but I always believe in myself because I am convinced of my qualities and I am not afraid of anyone».
Calhanoglu's statements
In the role of director, he feels the best today. Calha made his personal ranking of the top 5 directors in the world: «Toni Kroos I put third at this time, Enzo Fernandez in fifth place, Kimmich in fourth, Rodri in second place, I put myself in the first place. I feel the best because the goals that I make especially from outside the area hardly others do them». The Turk continued: «If you look at my goals are almost all from a distance. I always try to make final passes, the 5-meter pass does not serve me. Pass to Dimarco? I will always look for that type of passes because I do not like to always play behind or with the teammate next to, I like to verticalize, play fast and create spaces for my teammates who attack the depth. I had already seen Dimarco against Juve, before the ball came to me and he knew that the ball would come to him. We have known each other for 3 years and every season we understand each other better. They know my qualities and I know theirs».
The phase of interdiction and penalties
Calhanoglu has also become impeccable in the phase of interdiction: «I like to make slips taking the ball. A characteristic that came out because I like to run and work. I also enjoy recovering balls. Penalties? It's a secret».
There is always room for improvement, opponents try to play man on me and I have to try in these situations to be better at making space for myself. With Barella and Mkhitaryan helping me it's easier. When I watch the videos there are still mistakes I make. Winning other trophies is a big goal. Slowly we look ahead and we will see in the end what will happen. Inter fights for all the goals, we are there».
New role and relationship with Inzaghi
«First time as director? At Milan I was not ready to do it, when it happened here at Inter I was ready and I immediately said yes to the coach. I wanted to try this challenge and this change of role in my path was very important. On the relationship with his coach: «Inzaghi brought me here, he called me many times to come here and I will always thank him. He saw in me this new role, so I can only speak well of him. The coach speaks little but has a warm heart, has an understanding with the players and has made us grow».
«I love Inter, I found a family. I already told them they can decide my future but I want to stay here. I feel reborn since I am at Inter, I had a difficult period before but here I have grown as a man. Teammates, fans, staff have given me energy. You can't explain, these are emotions».
Pirlo idol of Calhanoglu
«Veron was a great player, I liked his nastiness and his feet. Busquets great player but honestly others I like more than him; very strong technically but for me he has always been slow. Modric is a lot of stuff, I know him very well and he is an example for everything he is still able to do and for what he has won. From him you can take mentality, professionalism and goodness. Xabi Alonso I always liked for his cut pass, similar to what I did with Juventus. Pirlo is my idol, I know him well. He was calm when he played, he didn't feel the stress, number one».
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