This period of time is a delicate matter for Inter. They have 11 fixtures left in Serie A to try to reach an European tournament qualification. The first match is against Sampdoria at Stadio Luigi Ferrari in Genoa with kick-off 20:45 on Sunday evening.

As usual, Roberto Mancini handles the press-conference at Angelo Moratti sporting center to analyze the match in advance.

Do you still believe that you can fight for the Scudetto next season, considering the upcoming transfer window?

“Apart from the disappointment from the elimination in Europa League, it’s clear that everybody have go for it and think positive for next year. Now we have to think about the remaining fixtures, there are 33 points left to play for. Next year we may be battle for the championship. There will probably be new elements that will give us a helping hand, I repeat: W will battle for the Scudetto”.

What is your opinion that you may see Mihajlovic on AC Milan’s bench?

“I only want the best for him, It would be a tremendous opportunity for him, I would be happy for him, he’s a brilliant coach”.

In what other way do you respect him?

“He is younger (laughs), thats not a small thing”.

Is Europa League still main target or will it be better to not play in Europe next season?

“Absolutely, We have to try reach it. It can also lead to other competitions where the club can get a competitive team on many fronts”.

How is Shaqiri?

He could be an option for tomorrow, I’m sure. He trained yesterday and there a chance that you can see him on the pitch”.

Will you do other changes?

“No one is untouchable, right now we have to work hard, There were some misstakes but everyone has always done their best, even if we unfortunately not were able to do well in Europa League. Now it’s not the time to make changes, but we want to finish the championship in a good way”.

Your words could interpret as a alibi for the players..

“No because I’m always sincere. They have always done their best, but unfortunately the result hasn’t been in our favor. At the end it’s the victories that makes the difference and now we’re in trouble. But we should keep our heads up high, Inter has had many champions in the past that has not always brought success. With the work we have made, it takes time to change and we have only had five months together”.

Have you made misstakes?

“Well, that’s a part of the job, no one has a magic wand”.

You will now return to Genoa, which was an important plattform for you..

“No-one can forget those years, I have played and worked with a lot of people that is important for me. I repeat, There were some extraordinary years, the heart of mine is however another matter. inter is also a part of my life. But it will be a pleasure to return to Genoa”.

What do you think about the President Ferrero?

“I don’t know him very well, but he seems very nice”.

Are you convinced that the players last Thursday gave their everything?

“I don’t want pass the concept that the players didn’t do their best, unfortunately we made misstakes. My men gave everything they had, also after a draw there would be things we could have done better. The performances isn’t only about the technical part, There are stuff we have to do different to give boost to our fans”.

The whole Parma situation is a puzzle: What do you think about the possibility to stay still for three weeks?

“I believe that they will play, otherwise we will try to do something so we don’t have to stop”.

Would you like to work with Mihajlovic in the future, perhaps as a manager?

“It can happen, but I don’t want to coach until I’m 80-years old”.

Without great resources to invest in the transfer market, What will you aim for improving the squad?

“To do this work at Inter is very stimulating and I believe that the club will find the right resources to make the team competitive. It has been so many years now where Inter hasn’t finished where they use to, This isn’t a part of Inter’s DNA. With experienced players everyone will improve”.

It seems that you are much calmer today, what has changed?

“When you’re young you’re more emotional that changes over the years. You need to leave out the hard times and sorrows”.

What is needed to improve the defense?

“There are no one particular way, also even if you do well you have to do your best, We must work as always”.

Without potential pressure will the team do even more?

“I hope that is possible, yes. In City we were several points behind the others but the squad felt more relaxed and started to do better, so of course it can happen”.

FcIN – Have you heard anything from Thohir the last couple of days? What did he say?

“The President was very disappointed after the game but he thinks positively. He wanted to concentrate on Europa League as everyone, and he’s very close to all of us, even if he’s physically a long way from us. He wants us to keep our morale high and he thinks that we have to reach an European spot to prepare for next season”.

What’s your opinion that Nagatomo was selected for the National team in spite of his poor condition?

“We decided to not send him after we talked to the national coach of Japan. A lot of days for travel wouldn’t be best for him so he will stay here. The coach was very understanding, Nagatomo is’t ready yet and he will retrun after the break. Yuto is missed here he has a different characteristics then the other full-backs”.

How is it with Kovacic?

“Mateo is well, He just took a shot, there is nothing to worry about”.

Source: Fcinternews.it