Marco Branca has denied Inter Milan were distracted by their Champions League tie against Chelsea after their 3-1 loss to Catania.
 

The Inter sporting director, who is standing in for suspended Inter coach Jose Mourinho, felt that Inter were in control of the game against Catania until the home side equalised.

Diego Milito had given Inter the lead but Catania hit back through Maxi Lopez, Giuseppe Mascara and Jorge Marinez.

Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari was sent off in the 81st minute after conceding a penalty when he handled in the box.

"Until the leveller we looked in strong control of the game," Branca told SkySport.

"I think we did well to go ahead after the break, but then our concentration let us down as we lost it at the back.

"We didn't have any thoughts on the upcoming Champions League clash with Chelsea, as we were well aware of the threat Catania posed.

"The atmosphere in the locker room is as it always is following a defeat, but we have a great desire to bounce back to find ourselves ready for Tuesday night's clash.

"During the opening 20 minutes we conceded far too much to the opposition. Obviously in the last few weeks we have been struggling to get into games, and this is certainly down to a low level of concentration.

"The game next week needs no introduction and I don't think this result will bear any influence on the return leg against Chelsea. When you prepare for such occasions, everything else becomes of secondary importance," he concluded.