Inter’s head of youth Roberto Samaden addressed the gathered media at La Triennale as part of the Milano Calcio City event and firstly discussed the current state of the Primavera side.
“We have to wait to see the boys grow, which is the greatest goal pursued in the past seasons. While we have won the title two years in a row we know that this year is slightly different. We have a young team that needs to work and grow and there is a coach who has to worry about making them grow, then with time the satisfactions will come.”
Samaden then spoke on recent successes from the Primavera who are playing at Serie A or Serie B level.
“Six young players from the last two or three seasons have found themselves playing in Serie A or Serie B. The fact that they can be ready for leagues like these is not just down to luck. It is the result of choosing coaches like Vecchi yesterday and Madonna today, but also others in the past as Esposito, Pea and Stramaccioni who for years have allowed our Primavera to train like a first team would in Serie B.”
Samaden proceeded to discuss the UEFA Youth League and other youth competitions.
“It is a competition that is part of the growth of the boys. We have won it in the past with Stramaccioni and it was a special moment. There are more teams in the tournament now but this does not detract from the success of those years against strong teams like Ajax in the final or Sporting Lisbon that had Joao Mario and other important players.”
Samaden concluded the interview by speaking on players who have been sold on and if he has any regrets about letting some go.
“Our first task is to train the players and from a financial point of view, in relation to FFP, through the sales of young people is a source satisfaction. There are no regrets, we are used to losing players. The more the value of the first team grows, the easier it is to put young people in.”