Benitez targeting Tottenham throne

Progression to the last 16 may be assured, but Rafael Benitez knows there is plenty to play for in Inter’s final Champions League group match.

Inter meets Werder Bremen knowing they cannot finish lower than second in Group A and will therefore progress to the knockout stages.

But a win in Bremen will give the Serie A club every chance of snatching top spot from English club Tottenham, who are equal on points with Inter but ahead on goal difference.

While the result of Tottenham’s clash at Twente is out of Inter’s hands, Benitez said the Italian champions will do everything they can to secure the three points and – just maybe – an easier grouping in the next stage.

“We could finish first in the group and this would be better than being in second place, so we want to win tomorrow and that’s why we’re here,” Benitez told reporters.

“It’s good and important for the whole of Italian football that we stay as long as possible in the Champions League. I think we’ve done well so far.”

“We cannot influence the match in Enschede but we can play for a victory here.”

“I don’t know which players will start yet but those who play will want to win. How important is this game for us? I would say ten out of ten, and that’s the same for every player who will enter the pitch.”

Complicating matters will be the absence of Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder and Lucio, with Benitez confirming the star trio failed to make the trip to Germany.

“I can say that three players won’t be part of the game and did not even make the trip to Bremen: Milito, who is not available, Sneijder who is suffering from fatigue and Lucio will not play and is not here because he is a little ill,” Benitez said.

“Those are the three. With the others, we will have to wait and see tomorrow.”

Werder coach Thomas Schaaf believes his side also have plenty to play for, despite being resigned to exiting Europe’s premier tournament.

Principally, Schaaf wants Bremen to salvage some pride by upsetting the treble-winning champions.

“The match tomorrow is very important for us even though we’re out of the competition,” Schaaf said.

“First of all, it’s about proving ourselves again. What would be better than against a title holder, against a team with such a name as Inter Milan.”

“I believe this is a huge motivation, a huge challenge to hold one’s ground.”

“We have to give up making plans for this season and only look ahead to our next match – this is tomorrow and we want to win.”

“I’m angry about the fact that we are already eliminated from this competition, and I know I’m going to be even angrier when I’m sat at home next year watching the big matches on TV.”