Frank De Boer spoke ahead of his debut game at the Meazza where his squad will host Palermo.
“It was nice to meet Mr Zhang and Erick Thohir. Their message was that they’re here for us and we’re all together tutti insieme. “They showed a lot of trust in our work. Obviously they want Inter to return to the positions this club is used to and they’re offering us all their support to help us get there.”
New signings– “Of course we’re very interested in good players but they’re not confirmed yet so I don’t want to say too much about them. “Joao Mario can play anywhere in midfield and Gabigol can play in three different positions as a striker so they’d offer us more possibilities but I want to focus on Palermo at the moment. In any case good players will always be welcome at Inter.”
The disastrous start in Verona– “Clearly we didn’t play our best game but I think a lot of it comes down to our players’ fitness. We struggled more in the second half because of our physical problems. “It takes time. You can’t change everything in 10 days. You have to respect the Italian culture and the club culture. I have a better idea now and slowly but surely the players are getting to grips with what I want from them as a coach. I’m sure we’ll get better every week. “We’ve trained well this week and made some progress. The most important thing is that we show we are improving and we wear the Inter jersey with pride every game. That’s the first step and I’m convinced we’ll see a different Inter tomorrow. “We’re not there yet but our objective is to be in the Champions League spots – Inter must always aim for that. I’m hopeful we can achieve that this season. “We need to improve a lot, especially physically, because my football philosophy takes a lot of energy, but I know the players want to get there.”
Starting lineup and tactical plans– “I’m not going to talk about players’ positions with regard to tomorrow’s game. “We all know Banega can play as a deeplying playmaker. You’ll see how we set up tomorrow. “We want to send out a good signal because first impressions are important. We must be proud to wear the Inter shirt and always give 100% for the club. I want to see that tomorrow. “The crowd are very important too, when we make a mistake for example. We must always stick together as a team and I include the fans in that. “We have an experienced team and our players are used to playing different formations – elsewhere and in their national teams. Everyone can play 433, 532, or 442 but you can refine and improve things. “You could say we played with three at the back in Verona or with five. It’s a matter of perspective. “My favourite system is 433 and we’ll probably play the majority of our games like that because I think it’s the best way to achieve success but you also need to realise when you have to change – that’s the sign of a good manager. “I believe in Inter’s project and I believe in my ability to bring this club success – that’s why I took the job. Any pressure only motivates me to work harder.”
On life in Serie A– “How you prepare for a game changes from country to country. The players are used to certain things and I’m used to others and we need to find a middle path. The good thing about this job is you learn every day. “I’m getting a better idea of the team and the players and we’re going to have a very strong squad. Some of the players who haven’t done so well in the last few years could experience a new lease of life under a new coach. I’m confident we’ll get results and that we can be successful.”
Europa League Opponents– “Southampton have come on a lot in the last two years, especially under Ronald Koeman. They finished sixth in the Premier League last season so they’re a very good side. “Sparta Prague have often played in the Champions League and they’re tough to beat. “As for Hapoel, you don’t beat Olympiakos unless you’re a good team.”
Frank de Boer ended with a heartfelt message to those who lost loved ones in the earthquake recently “It was a very sad day for the whole world and I feel for the people who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are with them.”
SOURCE- INTER.IT
