Conte: Eriksen still hasn't found full fitness despite scoring first Inter goal

Antonio Conte explains what changed to break down Ludogorets and defends his gradual introduction of Christian Eriksen. “I think of what is best for Inter, unlike others.”

It was a dire Europa League game for the first hour in Bulgaria, but Eriksen’s strike from the edge of the box broke the deadlock before a stoppage-time Romelu Lukaku penalty sealed the 2-0 away win.

“The tempo was far too slow in the first half and we adapted to the way Ludogorets wanted to play. We changed intensity and rhythm after the restart, moved the ball faster, scoring two goals and creating other opportunities,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Our journey in the Europa League will be one of squad rotation and using this tournament to give playing time to those who haven’t had much space. Let’s not forget that this is a competition that can crush you on a mental and physical level if you think of playing the same team on Thursday and Sunday.”

Conte had been reticent to start Eriksen, insisting the former Tottenham Hotspur star needed time to settle and adapt.

“He did well tonight, but has a lot more work to do and I think can do far, far better. I am happy for the goal, as that always helps with confidence, but he needs to rediscover the tempo and intensity that were such a strength of his game in previous years.

“He still hasn’t found his full fitness, but we are in no rush and not feeling anxious about this. We know that we signed a player who can raise the quality level either from the first minute or off the bench.

“I think of what is best for Inter and integrating a new player in the best possible way, whereas others are thinking of other things. He can certainly do better, as the whole team can.”