Inter coach Luciano Spalletti revealed that the real leader in the Nerazzurri’s dressing room is former captain Andrea Ranocchia during the official pre-match press conference held moments ago.
“I want to wish him a happy birthday, he is a great person and an excellent professional. Ranocchia is the real captain because he is the one who speaks often, whose messages on social media everyone gets. He is the leader that is in the squad but you don’t notice him, but during the difficult times steps out and says what needs to be said.”
“Handanovic has already been the captain. Just like Mauro, Ranocchia and many others. Borja Valero is one of these who knows how to act in a group, he always says the right things.”
“The Icardi decision was very painful and difficult to make, but the role you have means the most important thing is to be fair. We have the doors open in the dressing room, we say everything to each others’ faces and are very clear. A decision was made that is not against Icardi, but in favour of Inter. That is the dialogue we had with him yesterday.”
“I can’t sit here and explain all the details, but it’s a move in favour of fairness. Consequently, we have to answer to Inter and our fans. As I said, fairness in the interests of the team is what must be first and foremost. The concept of a team, of togetherness.”
“You like those who score goals more, but I like the way defenders think. It’s true a striker has to focus on scoring goals and can act individually, but if a defender does that, he struggles. Everyone in a defence has the same job to do and asks for support from teammates, because on your own, you won’t go far. Defenders consider themselves a unit, all together.”
“We have a common piggybank at the door of the locker room and everyone puts in what they feel they contributed at the end of a match, because in the end we share it all, just as we share results. We know full well that this decision made it difficult for everyone. Icardi is a very talented player, so we have to weigh up all the potential of the players in our squad.”
“I know this interests you, but the important thing is the team’s results. Unfortunately, he won’t be there tomorrow, so we need to show our professionalism and not hold back even an inch, we must prove we’re prepared to give everything for the good of Inter. That is what we need to talk about. Icardi is not there tomorrow, but the others are, so they are the ones I want to talk about.”
The former Roma coach implied that the door is open for Icardi to return to the fold and that the ball is very much in his court.
“There are some logical steps to be taken that everyone knows. He has to be a fully-fledged member of the squad and show respect towards his teammates. It’s pretty simple. Icardi is a very strong player and as long as he is at Inter, we want to make full use of his talents.”
Spalletti then confirmed that the former Sampdoria striker Mauro Icardi as well as Keita Balde are both still injured and wont be called up to the squad for tomorrow’s game.
“Icardi, as the club wrote in a statement, has a problem. He is having treatment with the staff and right now is not in any condition to play. We’ll have to wait a few days for Keita as well, as unfortunately there is still some swelling and he won’t be available this weekend.”
In conclusion Spalletti strongly condemned the harassment Wanda Icardi and the couples children had been subjected to.
“I hope whoever did that is found and arrested, because this is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable and the police are dealing with it.”
