Proud Zanetti broods over Inter exit

Captain Javier Zanetti saluted FC Internazionale Milano's commitment after they bowed out against Liverpool FC, but admitted the Italian champions "are really disappointed".

Man disadvantage
Six points clear of AS Roma at the top of Serie A, Inter remain favourites to reclaim their Italian title, but they could not overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Liverpool at San Siro, conceding a third goal in the tie after Nicolás Burdisso's dismissal. "We are really disappointed because we had the chance to score and qualify," said Zanetti. "We were reduced to ten men again and suddenly everything got more complicated. It's hard to play such important games ten against eleven."

Italian focus
The blow of elimination was made all the more bitter with Roberto Mancini's announcement after the game that he would step down as coach at the end of the season – a decision which came as a genuine shock to most Inter fans. Argentinian international Zanetti is now determined that the boss will leave on a high, saying: "We have not lost everything tonight. Now we must focus on the league championship and win the Scudetto."

European mentality
The pressure of maintaining a league and European campaign proved to be too much for Inter this time around but Zanetti, in his 13th season at the club, believes his side will come back stronger in the competition next time around. "We have to make fewer mistakes and be more focused if we are to win the Champions League next season," he explained. "I think we have the mentality of a great European side and can still improve."

No regrets
While there was disappointment among his side, Zanetti was not sorry about the performance that ended their hopes of a first European Champions' Club Cup since 1965, saying: "It is always better to lose after having given everything and to have nothing to regret, as we have tonight."