Javier Zanetti spoke on a range of topics on Rai radio show Gr Parlamento ‘La Politica nel Pallone’:
“The boys have done a great job and the coach with his staff too. The guys believe in it and it shows on the pitch. The other results going our way at the weekend enabled us to close in, but we are aware that there is still much to do. Tomorrow is a crucial match for the journey in the Coppa Italia then we will begin to prepare for the game on Sunday will be just as important. Lazio is always hard to beat but we want to win to continue our journey.”
I think it’s with great enthusiasm [Pioli is being praised]. He and his staff have done very well and showed great awareness of their own means and great human values. The results come from this, I hope they can go on like this.”
Zanetti then spoke on Inter catching up and challenging for a Champions League spot: “We believed in the great values of this team, they just had to put them into practice by winning. After starting out with many difficulties Pioli has managed to resolve the issues and now we have a team aware of its strengths and with such enthusiasm, knowing that there are so many games to play and we will have to fight until the end. It will not be easy, but Inter have to try until the end to get to the Champions League. Sunday would be an important result for us considering how we started the season. We do well to think game by game, so tomorrow’s match is fundamental to continue this path in the cup and give more continuity to the positive results we are getting. Then we will discuss the race with Juventus that everyone is waiting for.”
He then spoke in length about Juventus and Paulo Dybala: “Juve are deservedly in the lead, they are demonstrating great continuity. We started with some difficulties that we are overcoming, and the performances are coming out of our players and we want to give continuity. This series of positive events gives the assurance that there is an important basis for the future. But to think of a team for the next season is premature, we hope to finish as high as possible in the league and then in an orderly and conscious fashion make purchases that we will strengthen this squad. It is a very important match on both fronts, for the clubs and supporters. It’s a game with immense history and the two clubs that will fight to win. We are going through a good time, we hope to play a great match and continue on this road. Who would I take from Juve? There are so many good players. Dybala? he’s a great player, I hope that he’s seen in the [Argentine] national team, we need him now and in the future. Yes [he was close], But now we are happy with the players we have, I’m sure they will make it a great match.”
He then spoke on Inter’s quality in midfield: “In the middle we have so many important players and a lot of quality, such as Joao Mario and Ever Banega. All give their contribution when they are called into question despite having different characteristics and can help us in every game.”
After many links, he was then asked about Lionel Messi and if it was an impossible dream for Inter: “I know him very well, he is very comfortable in Barcelona and he’s stayed there for so long.”
Suning was the next topic of conversation for Pupi: “Suning believes in Inter, they are a very important and serious group with great ambitions. When they chose Pioli for us he was not a stop-gap[until Simeone], we wanted to build something important and Suning is showing it. It needed time, as does all things; We started with some difficulties that we are overcoming, I believe there is still room for improvement but this strip of positive results allows you to work with great serenity. Suning has great respect for the history of Inter and dreams like the fans to review the Inter protagonist. They are close to everything that happens in the league, support and sustains us. We can build something important. They have big ambitions and have almost permanent presence of Steven in Milan as a witness to it all. We want to run the team on and off field.”
“After all the victories made only now we have gained points on who is ahead. I would say that both [Roma and Napoli] are two dangerous opponents who will fight to the end to get to the top as will Milan and Lazio. The league is balanced, we have to be focused on our objective thinking game by game, hoping that the results will help us to achieve the goal.”
Zanetti was then asked about the full back problem: “D’Ambrosio and Ansaldi are doing very well, Danilo also scored against Pescara. You must have faith, believe in them and give them time to work. If there is the possibility of finding reinforcements that raise the quality of the position we will do it, but we are pleased with our defenders.”
He was then asked about Marco Verratti: “Verratti is a great midfielder and he is showing for PSG and the Azzurri. But right now we think only about the end of this season and see where we can get. Then we will see steady opportunities and players who can make the strongest Inter.”
“What does Moratti think? He is glad as all of us are for the results of the last period. He is always close to us and will always be part of the Inter family for what he did as well as his father.”
He pen-ultimately spoke on what the Chinese investment in both Inter and Milan would mean: “The important thing is to review Inter and Milan again as protagonists and as clubs able to win because the Italian football needs them.”
Zanetti concluded the interview speaking about Mauro Icardi: “He’s doing very well, he is a great striker who has great room for improvement. He will have a great future, even off the field he proves to hold a lot the club close. I hope he has the chance in the national team because he deserves it and I hope he’ll get his chance soon.”
Source: FCInterNews.it
