Inter Milan wing-back Carlos Augusto spoke to the press ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Kairat Almaty.
In his pre-match press conference with FCInterNews, he also reflected on his recent absence from the Brazil squad.
Carlos Augusto has played a more important role at San Siro this season.
In fact, Cristian Chivu uses the former Monza star in several positions.
In addition to his favored wing-back role, the 26-year-old also filled in for Alessandro Bastoni at centre-back.
He has therefore already appeared in 11 games in all competitions, including nine in Serie A.
Additionally, he started in Inter’s 4-0 victory over Royal Union SG in the previous round of the Champions League.
Augusto seems destined for another European start, as Inter are very keen to win against Kairat tomorrow.
However, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has removed the Inter wing-back from his squad ahead of the upcoming international break.
Augusto returned to the national team last month but has once again fallen out of favor.
Inter Milan star Carlos Augusto reflects on Brazil’s absence
“We know that the national team is everyone’s goal in this World Cup year,” admitted Augusto. “First of all, I want to contribute to Inter’s victory.
“Obviously that is my goal as well and I have to be ready for Brazil.
“The coach makes the decision and I have to respect his decision.
“No one is perfect. I have to improve and I owe it to my staff and my teammates to do that.”
And he gave his verdict on tomorrow’s match.
Coach Augusto added: “We know that winning games is more important in this Champions League. Goal difference is also important.”
“No games are easy, but we’re playing at home. They’re coming to do their job. They’re coming to do their job.”
“We have to look after ourselves and get the three points because then we will have four tough games.
“The manager always told us that we have to have the same concentration we had in Europe in the league.
“We know that goal difference is important in the Champions League, but we have to continue our journey.
“I think the coaches and staff gave us a lot after last season.
“He was a great player and knew how the dressing room was run, which gave us confidence back.
“Right now I’m just thinking about this season. He’s given us the right inspiration.”
Carlos Augusto enjoys life under Cristian Chivu
“I feel more integrated, including the young players who have come in,” he admitted. “The coach is always with the group, doing rotations…
“This is very helpful even for people who don’t play a lot, we work a lot physically.
“When I get a chance, I have to do my best so that the coach doesn’t have a hard time (making a choice).
“As always, we have a great group, I believe we will do great things.
“As far as roles go, I like to play. I’m a full-back, but I want to learn from Bastoni and DiMarco, who are great players.”
Meanwhile, coach Augusto also commented on Inter’s increasing defensive problems in Serie A.
“There are moments in the game and it is clear that we always want the advantage.
“We must also know how to suffer,” he continued. “It was a difficult game on Sunday, but a win in the last minute is very important for morale.
“We are progressing well but we can improve by aiming to win the competitions we are participating in.”
He also reflected on Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hellas Verona, when he conceded another goal in the league.
“This was an incident. We must also give credit to the other party,” Augusto said. “We often work on both phases.
“There are moments in the game where you have to concentrate more and defend better.
“We have to continue the journey, it’s more important than winning.”
