The day before the match between Croatia and Scotland, Inter’s Mateo Kovacic was interviewed by Croatian Sportsku Spiku and talked, in addition to the upcoming national team match, also about Inter and his first time in Italy. Statistically, Kovacic is second in Europe after Bayern Franck Ribery in the number of dribbles per match: “I am obviously pleased with this information. But I still think that there are still many players who are better than me.”
Kovacic then talked about his season, where he was one of few bright spots in an otherwise poor season for Inter: “It was very good for my own part, in the beginning I had not even asked for a specific number on the jersey, it was the club that gave me number 10. Unfortunately, we were never in optimum shape, and eventually we ended up outside the top positions and even missed out on a place in the Champions League. The management has decided to make changes, with a new coach, so I think next season will be much better.”
Kovacic has not forgotten Andrea Stramaccioni, the coach who launched him in Serie A: “I am grateful for the confidence he showed me and let me play a lot of games. He is a young and strong coach, but unfortunately for him, the management chose not to continue cooperation.”
In his place there is now Walter Mazzarri: “I think it’s a good move. I do not know what role I will have now, but I will find out on July 8 when it will be a gathering. I believe Mazzarri is a fantastic coach, in Napoli, he did very well and he will certainly do well at Inter.”
The young midfielder doesn’t try to hide the fact that he found it difficult to get used to the Serie A: “The teams are very focused on defense, it’s hard to break through, especially in the more even matches.”
Kovacic sent a message to Mazzarri: “My position is in midfield, then if the coach wants me to play closer to or further away from the target, it is his decision.”
The young midfielder also talked about the future and president Moratti: “He is a true gentleman, it was sad to see him sad, but I am confident that we will bring joy and happiness next season.”
On the fact that Inter will not play in European cups next season: “Maybe it’s nonsense, but for me it is good that we are not there. We can build a new team, but need new players, not least because there are several older players, Zanetti is injured, Stankovic will try to play another year, but there will still be reinforcements needed and I think the new coach wants them.”
Source: fcinternews.it
