After his first win as an Inter coach against Fiorentina on Monday, Stefano Pioli now faces another tough opponent. Napoli away at the Stadio San Paolo is a challenge almost as tough as the derby, here’s what Pioli had to say about that at today’s press conference at Appiano Gentile.
How did it go yesterday when you met with management? “It was a good metting since every executive is giving us the support we need, transmitting fighting spirit and confidence. We all want to do well and bring Inter back to the top. They have high ambitions.”
How important to Inter is Icardi? “He’s currently proving to be one of the greatest attackers in the world and he is young and can still improve. He is very professional, works hard, sets a good example for his teammates and takes a lot of responsibility on the pitch.”
Are you starting to see some continuity? “Up until now we have made some good things, this team has personality and with a bit more of confidence, awareness and good results it can grow even more.”
After your meeting with the Chinese, can you feel that they have the intentions to build this team with Pioli? “It seems that they have the conviction for a long-term project, they are highly motivated with new ideas and the ambitions to make Inter great again.”
Have you any ideas for reinforcements come January? “Three weeks are a lot, there is still some time to think about that, within short we’ll have another meeting and I will present my evaluation to the club. And we will be ready.”
Do you want the team to take more responsibility? “There will always be difficult moments to pass in a season, look at the last game against Fiorentina where we were very compact but should have closed the game earlier. But we have many players of quality that can still improve.”
You know Candreva, up until now he and Eder have alternated. Any chance they will play together? “We all have different takes on this, you guys focus on the individual, I focus on the balance of the team. We have a lot of good players that each can contribute to the team.”
In Naples one remember the game when you (together with Lazio) eliminated Napoli from the Champions League race. What do you take with you from that game? “It was an important game for the championship because both teams were doing well and were at the top. There were many occasions but that game is part of the past, now we have to stay focused on the present and the challenges we face tomorrow.”
Tronchetti Provera said his dream was to see Messi in Inter, what do you have to say about that? “To dream is beautiful but also dangerous. We don’t have the time or need for things that are not part of our reality. That’s why it’s better to focus only at our work and to get points.”
Medel in defense was something new, could Ranocchia manage that role? “We have a lot of potential in each of our sections, there has to be some competion between the players in order to get into the starting eleven. Then I evaluate what I see.”
What kind of problems does Gabigol have? “He has quality, he’s working hard at the moment. He has to prepare himself and be ready when it’s his time.”
Do you have problems adjusting to gameplan changes? “We have to do well in reading the different moments of the games, how they change, how the mental aspect changes, but we don’t have to change the interpretation of the game. We have to remain focused and handle the ball well. We have the players, we have their qualities and everything depends on our work knowledge, that we play together as a team, that we are compact and that we play with a certain continuity.”
Napoli-Inter is the game of the discontents, is this the last chance for both of them? “Of course it’s an important game for both teams, it’s not the last chance because there are still a lot of games to be played.”
Against Fiorentina Kondogbia was better in coverage than Joao Mario, will he be the choice also against Napoli? “Joao Mario is more technical, has important qualities. I want to have more solutions in order to win games.”
What do you think of Napoli? “Napoli is a strong opponent that knows how to play well, it’s a difficult stadium to play in. We know what to expect from them but also what to expect from us. We are prepared and will take the pitch with winning as our objective.”
