Ekdal: “We played well and got nothing. Now we want three points from Cagliari”

Albin Ekdal believes Sampdoria got less than they deserved against Inter after Marcelo Brozovic’s late goal snatched the points in Marassi.

“We played well – very well, in fact. We were a match for Inter, who are one of the best sides in the league.”

The Swedish midfielder may be just a few games into his Blucerchiati career but he already looks at home in the Doria engine room. And, like on Wednesday against Fiorentina, he once again clocked up more miles than any other Samp player.

“I never had any doubts I’d be able to slot into this team,” the 29-year-old said. “The boss showed belief in me from the start and I know what Serie A is all about.”

Albin then confirmed that he had asked to come off after being caught in the face by a ball from Lorenzo Tonelli but ended up gritting his teeth and seeing the game out.

“It was Tonelli’s fault! My head was hurting and I couldn’t see properly out of one eye but I managed to stick it out till the end.”

Deserved or not, the defeat is in the past now and Ekdal knows the importance of moving on. Next up is a trip to his former stomping ground Cagliari, where the midfielder enjoyed a four-year spell earlier in his career.

“We’re already looking forward and we’re thinking about Cagliari now. It will be nice to go back but I’ll be looking to come away with the three points.”