In an interesting interview published by La Gazzetta dello Sport after the announcement of the new Inter coach Roberto Mancini, one of the loyals of the former coach of Lazio, Manchester City and Galatasaray, with whom he shared the successes in the Inter shirt during the first experience of Mancini in Milan, the assistant coach of Udinese Dejan Stankovic made these comments.

At ‘Pinetina’ Mancini talked about the project of Inter with a smile: Stankovic, does it sound familiar?
“The situation is different compared to what it was ten years ago, back then he was asked to open a cycle right away, now instead he is asked to straighten up a boat as fast as possible. And then to make it go fast right away. And he will.”

Why so sure?
“For five reasons: is that enough? First, because he is good and he has not only shown that at Inter. Second, because he knows the environment, and when you have no time to lose, that is something that will make a great difference. Third, because he wanted to return to coaching. That is something that does not go away easily. Fourth, because he wanted to return to coaching in Italy. It is his country, certainly he missed some things, and maybe also has put some discussions on hold during his career. Fifth, in the meantime he has gained experience, even internationally, and that is something you can’t just buy at the market.”

Okay, that is enough. So what will happen?
“So I think Inter will only gain by the choice that has been made.”

A malicious claim: Mancini a great coach of great teams.
“Why, who said that this Inter is not a great team?”

Do you know that it is as if Milan has rekindled a spark?
“From Roberto the memories of what he won remains in the minds of people in Milan more than the moment he said goodbye. And Inter, the Inter fans, they needed this: to regain a good feeling with their coach.”

Will Mancini and Thohir have a good feeling?
“I doubt that Roberto would accept a project if he had not liked who brought him there. And now Mancinelli speaks good English and it will be easy for him to explain to the boss what he has in mind, what they need, what he can do better.”

A prediction: who do you think Mancini will focus on?
“Kovacic, because he likes players like this: young, with quality and not afraid to take responsibility. Maybe he reminds him of a Little boy in Bologna, more than thirty years ago… But keep your eyes open: Mancini will not ever base Inter around Kovacic, because one of his legacies is the talent for the team. He will build around him, yes: and it can be an advantage for Mateo and Inter.”

Another prediction: What will you say to the team before the derby?
“This is more difficult, but try to imagine: ‘It’s a football game like any other, but more important, and far more beautiful than the others: thus, enjoy it as much as possible.'”

And you, what do you say on the day of the Inter-Udinese?
“I will embrace them and maybe I will say ‘thank you’ again, because it made me grow as a player, but without knowing even then that I would learn something as a coach. I watched him explain football, studying, trying to understand his ideas. Not all, but many were similar to mine: what I had then and what I have now. Our lives are strange, but that is why we like it so much.”

Source: fcinternews.it