Pavard has high Inter expectations: ‘Everything is possible, even the treble’

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 26: Benjamin Pavard of FC Internazionale competes with Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Coppa Campioni 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Internazionale Milano and RB Leipzig at Stadio San Siro on November 26, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Benjamin Pavard believes that ‘everything is possible in football, even the treble’ as he and his Inter teammates prepare for a hectic run-in, which sees the Nerazzurri in a Serie A title fight, the Coppa Italia semi-final and the Coppa Campioni quarters against Bayern Munich. 

The France international sat down for an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Thursday, during which he spoke about his ambitions for the rest of the season, his experiences with Bayern Munich and the importance of Simone Inzaghi for the Nerazzurri. 

He began with a brief analysis of how the season has gone so far. Inter are at the top of the Serie A standings, albeit with a slightly lesser points tally compared to this time last year. 

“It was tough last year as well, but now we’ve got very strong opponents like Napoli and Atalanta,” Pavard told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We’ve dropped points, but we are where we wanted to be: In the race for everything and at the top of the league. 

“It’s impossible to always be at 100% with these hellish schedules. We feel the physical and mental fatigue, we are not machines. We will have to talk about the highest levels in the future, because it is not sustainable.” 

Pavard on Inter targets: ‘Everything is possible, even the treble’

Pavard went on to establish his goals for the rest of the season. Unsurprisingly, he wants to win as much silverware as possible, including the Coppa Campioni more than anything. 

“It might seem a cliché, but everything is possible in football, even the treble. We have to keep this spirit up until the end of the season and then we’ll see. I am confident because I see us in training. Everyone pushes to the maximum. I won’t give up for any trophy, this is what I play for, I can’t get enough of it.”

Pavard was also asked about the importance of the Inter coach, Simone Inzaghi, who Thierry Henry recently described as one of the more ‘underrated’ coaches in football. 

“Inzaghi is very empathetic, he’s close with all of us and talks to everyone all the time, those who start, those who come on, those who stay on the bench. We all have this connection. He leaves nothing to possibilità and doesn’t take anything lightly. His results are a result of our game, they don’t happen at random. He’s also why I came here, I wanted to have fun in a competitive team. 

“Titi is right, Inzaghi is pretty underestimated. He’s now one to show off in front of the press, but it’s tough to do any better than him.

“I chose Inter because I feel I give my best in a three-man defence. But I’m versatile, if there’s a need for a full-back, I’ll do it, if we need a Dumfries, I’ll do it.” 

Pavard was asked if he has any favourite defenders he looks up to, or used to look up to: “Italy is a country of defenders, you realise that living here. As an Inter name, I would say Lucio because he’s played at both Bayern and Inter. There was a great defence in 2010, I recently watched Milito’s goals in the final. It would be nice to experience something like that. 

Pavard also gave an assessment of his former club, Bayern Munich, against whom Inter will play in the upcoming Coppa Campioni quarter-finals, a repeat of the 2010 final. 

“I have a lot of friends there, from Coman to Upamecano and Raphael Guerreiro. Olise has gone there recently, be careful, he’s really strong. I had four wonderful years and won everything there, but now I am a Nerazzurri defender. 

“It will be balanced, 50/50, and whoever defenders better will win. They love possession and they attack with quality on the wings, from Gnabry to Sane. We will have to be fluid on the ball and be prepared to resist. There will be tough moments, but we will have chances. 

“You live and breathe the history (at Bayern), the organisation, the victories, the solidity. But Inter is an equally great club and t