Given the performance against Udinese, 2013 has not started in the best way for Rodrigo Palacio, but the Argentine striker has confidence in both himself and Inter as evidenced by his words in an interview with an Argentine newspaper. In the interview, he evaluates his 2012 and talks about his new team and the expectations for the current season: “I think it was a good 2012, despite the first six months when I was struggling with Genoa to remain in Serie A. Fortunately, I achieved other things than survival for Genoa, which allowed me to go to Inter, with all that it means to go to a big important European club like Inter. At Inter I started well, scored many goals, although it recently stopped a bit.”
Palacio has not had any problems with acclimatization to the new environment: “Absolutely, because when I arrived at Inter, I met several players I already knew that I either had met in the national team or as opponents. This contributed greatly to making me feel as a part of this team immediately. I also had the good fortune to come at the same time as Matias Silvestre, a very good friend, who I knew from the time in Boca. But Diego Milito was very helpful.”
The attacker has a hard time hiding his surprise that he me a group defined by a “great compassion. These are people who have won everything but nevertheless remained humble, simple. It is thanks to this that I’m glad to be here.”
Right from the beginning Palacio helped the team: “I knew the quality of this team, then I have been fortunate enough to score important goals and thus get confidence. Now we have had a period where we have not played as we want but I know that it is normal because you can not score goals in every game. My summary is positive. In Inter we create more chances than in Genoa, I know I just need to be cool the last few meters to choose the best opportunity to score goals. In addition, everybody knows that at Inter it is Milito who is the real goalscorer, even more than me. Then there os Cassano who provides a lot of assists, but he also has an eye for goal.”
The hunt for Juventus seem complicated, but Palacio has not lost faith: “They are a good team, but we hope to fight to the end. There are 19 games left, it’s all the time in the world, but for starters we need to think about ourselves to correct mistakes and get better. The primary goal is to qualify for the Champions League, of course, but we are a good team that can fight on all fronts.”
Even in the Europa League? “Of course. Now comes the important matches in Europe. We’ll see where we end up. Now it will be harder because teams knocked out the Champions League is entering into the tournament, but we are Inter and we must instill fear into our opponents. We have an obligation to fight to the end in Europe, but if I had to choose, I would prefer that we qualify for next season’s Champions League.”
Inter is also still in the hunt for the Coppa Italia: “Now we will meet Bologna, the opportunities to progress are good. But we must be careful because Bologna eliminated Napoli.”
What Palacio hopes for in 2013? “Personally, to finish the season well and establish myself with the team. Regarding the team, I hope we win something. Then I want my family to be healthy and I want to continue to develop in all areas. If I think about the World Cup 2014? I know it is less and less time left, but to have any hope of getting there, I have to do well at Inter. The team plays well, they are creating a close-knit group.”
Inevitably the conversation moves on to the match in the Coppa Italia against Verona, when Palacio with great courage took the place in goal after Castellazzi got injured and even did a fantastic save on Carrozza’s chance: “In Italy, they talked about it all week and I know it was mentioned on the news in Argentina. It was a nice feeling that will shape the rest of my career.”
It was a decision that came suddenly as confirmed by the player: “After Castellazzi had to leave the pitch Christian Chivu was the first to offer to do it. However, as he approached the bench he received the order that either Alvarez or I should stand between the posts. We were a bit shocked when he told us that, I told Ricky that he should go but he told me that it was up to me because I was older. I was a little nervous because I had to begin with a corner against us. A lot of thoughts went through my head, that they would equalize and that the match would go to extra time. I even sent away the first ball to anyone but a teammate. Then I got more confidence. It was not until that save that I came down to the arena. Everyone laughed, even Zanetti. Even I laughed as well, but because of nervousness. At the time I did not realize that I made the save, but it was fun.”
If he had an advantage because of his background as a basketball player? “I do not think so, but Milito told that this was considered by Stramaccioni when he made the decision. If I will return to the goal? I do not know, but I can brag about having played in that position. It will be a milestone in my career.”
Source: fcinternews.it