Curtis Jones: 'I believe 100% Inter can win the Champions League'

Jones backs Inter to go all the way

Curtis Jones has no doubts that Inter have what it takes to challenge on all fronts this season, insisting the gap between the Nerazzurri and the Champions League trophy "isn't that far away".

The former Liverpool midfielder spoke in depth about his journey with Inter so far in an interview with DAZN, released on Friday. Inter sit at the top of the Serie A standings after seven matches.

Waiting to get back on the pitch

Jones has made one league start so far, and has missed the last two games with an adductor injury. Scoring his first Inter goal is his immediate aim on his return.

"I just want to score, whether it's like that or a tap-in... A goal's a goal and I just want to help the team. I want to show the fans that I can help the team challenge for the Champions League, win the league again."

Former Liverpool teammate Alexander Isak described Jones as the most underrated player he has played alongside. Jones welcomed the praise.

"It's a compliment as well. It's not only him who's said that... There's things that I do on the pitch that teammates will understand that fans might not."

He added that, in a stats-driven game, he may not score as often as some teammates, but his contribution is recognised inside the squad.

Connection with the San Siro crowd

Jones was part of the Liverpool side that beat Inter at San Siro in the Champions League in the season before he moved between the clubs. He said the experience showed him the link between players and supporters.

"Liverpool and I have always had that same thing because I'm a scouser and I've always had that connection with the fans... I feel that these fans and this team have the exact same thing, so it was an easy choice."

Settling in Milan and the Serie A adjustment

Jones says he feels at home in Milan. "It's different but I love it as well... The family are settled, that's the important thing. I don't feel like I'm a new lad, I feel like I've been here a long time."

On the step between leagues, he said he did not see a huge change, though he believes Serie A is slower and less demanding in standard. He expects teams to sit in low blocks against Inter rather than press high, which he says mirrors his experience at Liverpool.

What he brings to the midfield

Jones says he offers energy and calmness, and a willingness to take risks. "I rarely want to be that lad [who drops into the back line], I want to play in the middle of the park, get on the ball, I want to try and assist, I want to try and score goals."

He pointed to the experience within the squad, citing John Stones and Djed Spence alongside himself, as key to Inter's ambitions in Europe.

'I don't think the gap is far away'

Asked directly whether Inter can win the Champions League this season, Jones was emphatic.

"Yes, 100%... If you have a look at the lads around in terms of the quality, the individuals who can go and score goals, assist, create, I feel that there's that team bond and the energy around the place as well... I just feel that the team has what it takes, I would never join a team that I didn't think had that."

"I don't think there's anything in the team where I'd look around and say 'we need to change this, we need to change that'... I don't think the gap is far away."