Inter Milan's dynamic midfielder, Curtis Jones, has voiced his absolute conviction that his team possesses all the necessary attributes to contend for every major trophy this season, particularly highlighting their strong chances of clinching the Champions League. He firmly believes that the gap separating Inter from European football's most coveted prize is not substantial. Jones's sentiments were shared during an extensive interview with DAZN, where he delved into his experiences since joining the Italian giants, his distinctive contributions on the field, and his optimistic outlook for Inter's future.
Inter Midfielder Curtis Jones Discusses Adaptation, Playing Style, and Champions League Ambitions
In a revealing interview with DAZN, released on a crisp Friday morning, Curtis Jones, the former Liverpool midfielder, offered profound insights into his journey with Inter Milan. Jones, who has quickly become an integral part of the squad, expressed his unwavering confidence in Inter's ability to compete at the highest level, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. He asserted that the team is fully equipped to challenge for the prestigious trophy, stating, "I just feel that the team has what it takes."
Inter currently leads the Serie A standings after seven matches, a testament to their strong start to the season. Jones has made one league start so far, though he has been sidelined for the last two games due to an adductor injury. Eager to return to action, his immediate goal is to score his first goal for the Nerazzurri. Reflecting on his scoring ambitions, Jones remarked, "A goal's a goal and I just want to help the team. I want to show the fans that I can help the team challenge for the Champions League, win the league again."
Jones also touched upon the high praise he received from his former Liverpool teammate, Alexander Isak, who described him as the most underrated player he has ever played alongside. Jones appreciated the compliment, noting, "It's nice, yes. It's a compliment as well. It's not only him who's said that it's been said by lads in the past that I've played with, so it's good that there are teammates of mine who appreciate me. There's things that I do on the pitch that teammates will understand that fans might not." He acknowledged the modern game's emphasis on statistics but emphasized his broader contributions: "I get now that the game now is all about stats and goals and assists and I know I might not score as much as certain lads, but there's a lot of things I do on the pitch that teammates and fans appreciate."
Recalling his previous encounter with Inter in the Champions League while at Liverpool, Jones highlighted the strong connection between Inter's players and their passionate fanbase. "When I played against them in the Champions League and we won the game, I saw the connection between the players and the fans," he stated. This connection resonated deeply with him, reminding him of his bond with Liverpool supporters. "Liverpool and I have always had that same thing because I'm a scouser and I've always had that connection with the fans and I've always said that it feels like the 12th man on the pitch and I feel that these fans and this team have the exact same thing, so it was an easy choice."
Regarding his life in Milan, Jones expressed his contentment. "It's different but I love it as well," he said. "The family are settled, that's the important thing. I came into a team where the fans, the players, the staff are all great so I feel at home. I don't feel like I'm a new lad, I feel like I've been here a long time." He also shared his perspective on the differences between Serie A and the Premier League, dispelling some common misconceptions. "I don't think there's a huge change. I feel the perspective of the league is that it's a slower league and that the standard is not as high. I can agree to an extent in terms of that the games are more slower in a way in, because of the way teams will play against teams like us, but at Liverpool it was exactly the same: One of the best teams in the league, so I don't think other teams are going to come and try press us, they're going to sit in a low block and make it difficult for us."
When asked about his specific contributions to Inter's midfield, Jones emphasized his blend of "energy and calmness." He described himself as a player willing to take risks, aiming to be at the heart of the action. "I want to play in the middle of the park, get on the ball, I want to try and assist, I want to try and score goals," he explained. Jones also highlighted the importance of bringing a unique energy and experience to the team, especially with the ambition of winning both the league and the Champions League. He pointed to the presence of experienced players like John Stones and Djed Spence as crucial assets.
Jones concluded by reiterating his firm belief in Inter's Champions League prospects. "Yes, 100%," he affirmed. "If you have a look at the lads around in terms of the quality, the individuals who can go and score goals, assist, create, I feel that there's that team bond and the energy around the place as well." He praised the team's resilience and the unwavering support of the fanbase. "We play against teams and if a team scores, we don't get panicked, we don't get scared. The fanbase is great as well so obviously that's a huge help. I just feel that the team has what it takes, I would never join a team that I didn't think had that." He sees no major flaws in the squad, stating, "I don't think there's anything in the team where I'd look around and say 'we need to change this, we need to change that', of course there's going to be small things, but I don't think the gap is far away."
Curtis Jones's candid reflections offer a compelling glimpse into the mindset of a player fully committed to his new club and its lofty ambitions. His confidence, combined with his appreciation for the team's collective spirit and the passionate Inter faithful, paints a promising picture for the Nerazzurri's pursuit of glory on both domestic and European stages. His insights underscore the belief within the squad that they are on the cusp of achieving something truly special, with the Champions League firmly in their sights.