From hardship to emergency? Yes, it’s not impossible considering that now even Juan Jesus and Ricky Alvarez are doubtful for tonight’s game (they are now selected in the squad ed.). Yesterday they both took part in a reduced workout and for the Brazilian, the problems are getting worse. However, he will probably bite the bullet and be able to play, but not at the peak of his ability. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Juan Jesus talked about Inter’s season, which is nearing its end.
What’s happening in Inter?
“It’s a very tough time. When we were full strength we challenged for the Scudetto, then all the injuries came and we got a little lost. I long for this time to pass. I, for my part, have more to give.”
Is there a risk that the team will give up if even the third place is lost?
“In the meantime, we must give everything to get to the Champions League as long as we’re not out of it mathematically. But obviously, it’s difficult to maintain the motivation high when the goals move further away game after game.”
What do you think of the referees?
“I’m aware that everyone makes mistakes, but with the score 0-0, the invented penalty against Cagliari weighed heavily. Especially since we have a hard time responding to an episodes that goes against us at the moment.”
Which you, on the other hand, knew in November, thinking of the 3-1 match against Juve.
“But then we had a full squad and great enthusiasm. We lost Ranocchia and Samuel in the game and the turnaround was marked already in the loss in the subsequent match in Bergamo.”
Did you play your best game against Juve?
“I think it was against Torino. It was my first from start and I knew I had to give my life to not be left out of the team again.”
How has Stramaccioni changed since then?
“Not in any way. He has the same beliefs. I’m sorry for him because he wants us to play an effective and offensive football, but this season we have not been able to translate it to the pitch because of too many injuries.”
San Siro knows what it is like to trail, but it can also become a boomerang effect.
“Our audience is amazing, they are used to always being on top. When things are not going well, the booing begins. I’m not affected by it, but some teammates are.”
But somehow you have to find your way out of this.
“In the most difficult moments this team has always reacted. It’s enough to think of the game against Tottenham. After Bologna, everyone thought we were dead. It made the audience not come. Now we have a huge anger inside. We’ll defeat Roma and we will qualify for the final of the Coppa Italia.”
It would be enough with 1-0.
“There is no point in counting. We have to play with anger from the beginning. This is how you build undertakings.”
In three games this season, you have never defeated Roma.
“It’s time. Even though they are in shape and have a thousand ways to score goals. They have Destro, Totti is a monster with eyes in the back and should never be left alone. Then there’s Lamela. Against Torino he scored a fine goal but duels against me, he has never won. If I manage to limit him once again, we are on track.”
Who would you remove from Roma?
“I want to see Lamela on the pitch, so I say Marquinhos. He is young, technically strong and very fast.”
It seems after all that it is untenable for our clubs to play both the championship and cup, while in England the play during Christmas and New Year.
“I think it’s safe to say that we can play twice a week. But for some it is more difficult to recover.”
Your problem, at worst, seems to be concentration. Sometimes it seems like you get a blackout, especially when it comes to marking.
“I do not think there is a problem with concentration. Everybody makes mistakes, but if you play as a central defender, there is no way to fix it. I am also 21 years old and I still have to develop a lot.”
Now that Pereira and Nagatomo are out against Roma, it may be that you get to play as left-back.
“In that case, I will be pressing forward more and worry less about the defensive game. To get to the final, we are willing to do anything. We must find something to give us power.”
Even with Samuel as a striker as against Cagliari?
“Even like that. We won against Bologna in the quarterfinal after a goal by Ranocchia as a striker. Walter is a leader, he has been my idol since I was a child. His injury has been extremely heavy.”
He’s one of many Argentines in a team, to which even Botta, Campagnaro and Icardi will arrive. Instead, almost all Brazilians left…
“I was particularly disappointed with Coutinhos farewell, he’s like a brother. But I do not discuss certain choices the club makes. If there is someone who will make us better, I definitely don’t care about his nationality. Paulinho and Leandro Damiao are very good, I want to play the World Cup at home and win it thanks to Inter.”
But if you were Moratti, wouldn’t you be angry?
“I’m not Moratti, but I can promise you that the first one to get angry would be me.”
Source: fcinternews.it
