Former Inter manager Frank de Boer has come out and admitted that he was not ready to take charge of the Nerazzurri during an interview with British newspaper The Independent.
“I had one friendly game against Celtic, and then I had to do my pre-season in the season. That is so difficult, especially at a club like Inter. Not only from the president you get some trouble, but also the press. Agents have a lot of influence. You have to really be prepared and I wasn’t that well-prepared, at that moment, for Inter.
“Maybe I’m too naïve in that kind of thing. To trust too many people. I’m always thinking of the good in every player, but it’s not like that. If they can stab you in the back, they stab you in the back. A lot of times when you go to a club, the chemistry is not really there. Maybe at first, everybody’s excited. Then, suddenly, the team gets in shape, and then you get the storm phase.”
de Boer proceeded to discuss how he feels there are many different groups of players at the club and the difficulties of moving some of the players on.
“You have three groups of players. One who is happy. Then players who are doubtful, but still feel they have a chance. And then, you have the losers at that moment, who will go to the second group and try to influence them. They are poison for your team. At Inter, and also at Crystal Palace, you’ve got to get rid of those players. And that’s sometimes difficult, because you say, ‘I want him out’, but then the president says, ‘Yeah, but that costs me money.’ And in the end, you’re stuck with all the same players.”
After ultimately failing at both Inter and Crystal Palace and then having some time out, de Boer now feels ready to return to management in time for next season.
“I now have been at two clubs that didn’t succeed. So of course, the next one needs to be good. It’s important that I choose a club where you can build something. I’ve had offers, but it’s better to start in the new season.”
