Luciano Spalletti: “We Cannot Expect Rafinha To Fix Everything”

Inter coach Luciano Spalletti stopped by Italian media outlet RAI after the Serie A game against Roma that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano’s San Siro district.

Spalletti began by talking about the match saying that “today we tried to do something different, we tried to  get more players in their penalty area but we did not have the right pace and quality during the constructive phase. We made it easy for them and then their goal came but in the second half there was a good reaction and this happens because you have the right mental attitude.”

The former Roma tactician was asked what he thinks is the reason behind the fact that Inter have not won since December 2nd replying that: “Because we have lost some easy points, and then at times we have been playing very badly. Some things we have to put into the right place and I think that there are some players that still have to realise that in order to fight against teams like this, you cannot rely on other players but only on yourself and your character.”

Spalletti was asked if the imminent arrival of Rafinha will be the catalyst to set everything right again to which he replied “No. Because you cannot tell someone who has not played for a year and a half to make everything right again. It is us that have to help him, not the other way around. Rafinha has played 5-6 games in the last 12 months. The match rhythm is another thing. The management and I speak every day during lunch and it is obvious that my opinions matter when it comes to making a decision. We spent a period where we ended up short, but then up to this point we made up for those shortcomings.

“I have never complained to the club, although I have had my opportunities. At the beginning we started out with great potential, something that decreased as our possibilities on the transfer market were more and more restricted. In the back we need some backup and in the middle we need a player with such qualities that enable us to fight up there with the top teams” Spalletti continued.

In conclusion the Nerazzurri tactician was asked what the difference is between this Inter and the Inter from the first half of the season to which he replied: “not much actually. We just need make a bit more of an effort. We have lost a bit of enthusiasm and we do not have solid character. This is why we are having the period we are having right now.”