On Sunday evening Inter will meet Torino and the match could be an opportunity for Ishak Belfodil to play from start in the absence of Diego Milito. Maybe that’s why he is the name on everyone’s lips this week and explains why there have been so many interviews with him. About that, Thohir’s arrival and the transfer market, Belfodil received questions when he was interviewed exclusively by our partner fcinternews.it.
The game in Turin could mean a chance for you to play from start. Up until now you’ve got very little space, how do you explain that?
“We are a big club and there are very many other players. When these are called Milito, Palacio, Icardi and Alvarez it’s harder to find space than when you play in other teams. But we’re all working to earn a place on the pitch on Sunday.”
How has training been going this week when many players were with their national teams? Have you tried anything special, perhaps on an individual level?
“Yes, we have worked a lot, especially on things that didn’t go well against Roma, we have analyzed some mistakes. This week we have been divided into groups so that the defenders, midfielders and attackers would be able to work independently.”
What kind of match do you expect in Turin?
“A very difficult game because Torino have good players , some internationals, and il Toro has always been a good team in the Italian league, they proved that in the game against Juventus where they only lost 1-0.”
Lately, Moratti has been very close to the team. How has he seemed during these days of big change?
“I’ve always seen him being close to the team. Obviously, he can’t always be with us, but I’ve been in clubs where presidents have been much less present. He will have many commitments, but he always tries to be near us. I haven’t seen much change despite the change of ownership.”
Speaking of which, on Sunday it’s the first game with the new owners, possibly there will also be an Indonesian delegation in the attendance. All eyes will be on you.
“Yes, but we’ve been talking about this ever since before the game against Sassuolo, maybe a little more now given that the signatures are made, but it doesn’t change anything for us players because we have a contract with this team and must be professional without thinking about questions that aren’t about what happens on the pitch.”
Against Locarno you played together with some interesting young strikers from the youth sector like Ventre and Bonazzoli. What was your impression of them?
“I thought Ventre was good, he played with me in the attack, he has a small physique but moves very well, he has a good understanding of the game and played a good match. Bonazzoli played less, he came into the game when it was already 3-0 and got less space but I have heard very good things about him too.”
Back to Moratti. You were one of the last big investments during his era, how would you describe your relationship with him?
“He’s a very kind person, even in the way he greets the players and is near us. He loves the team, the club and the fans. He wants us to give our all for the fans.”
Zanetti’s book has just been released, a book which also includes a part where he talks about you: what relationship do you have with the captain?
“He’s a happy person, always joking. When I saw him on television he didn’t seem to be that way, I ‘ve never seen him sad. He talks to everyone, makes you feel comfortable and turns to you as if you’ve known him for ten years. Yesterday he warmed up with us and we hope he becomes available as soon as possible because he’s a champion and a great person. I didn’t know I was in the book, that makes me happy.”
There is much talk about you possibly leaving in January, maybe on loan, to get to play more: would you take such an opportunity?
“It depends on what I have accomplished up until December, if a loan is the best choice, I will listen to all offers and reflect. But there are still a lot of games from now until December and anything can happen. I work as hard as I can, with calmness, hoping all the time that I’ll get to play and give my contribution to the club.”
In yesterday’s interview in the program Internos on Inter Channel you said that one day you will be able to tell people that you played with Diego Milito, but what are your thoughts about Palacio, another pillar in Inter’s attack?
“I think he’s a champion, last year he was less injured than other years and led the team on his own with his goals while he helped out in the defense as well. He is a role model for the younger players.”
Before you came to Inter, where you close to go to any other teams?
“Officially, only Juventus came forward in December with an offer, not to buy, but with an expression of interest. The rest is just rumors, the only real offer came from Inter who believed more in me than the others, and they bought me.”
There’s often talk of there being a contest between you and Icardi, how do you perceive it?
“Very good with Mauro as well, he’s young like me and we came here together, we help each other. I like playing with him because we complement each other and he’s a good person to talk to and he is also nice. But I have no problems with anyone in the group.”
Would you like to make a comparison between Walter Mazzarri and Roberto Donadoni, how does your current coach differ from your previous?
“I prefer to wait until I get to know Mazzarri better to make a good comparison. But I can say that Donadoni was a very good person and a good coach, I was very happy with him. I’ve been with Mazzarri for three months, but I prefer to wait before I say anything.”
Is there anything in particular about Mazzarri that has struck you during these three months?
“He’s a person who doesn’t leave anything to chance, He always prepares the games in detail and tries to predict every aspect and thus we players on the pitch don’t get surprised but already know how to behave in all situations.”
Source: fcinternews.it
