Inter’s former midfielder Youri Djorkaeff has admitted he finds it ‘strange’ to see Antonio Conte in charge of the Nerazzurri.
Djorkaeff scored 39 goals in 127 appearances for Inter, helping the club win the UEFA Cup in 1998, and faced Conte on several occasions while he was playing for Juventus.
Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, the 51-year-old said he hoped Conte could give Inter the strength and consistency they need to challenge Juve for the Serie A title.
“It’s strange for me to see him there because he represented Juventus,” Djorkaeff said.
“I hope he can succeed at Inter, let’s wait and see. He’s always done well so there’s respect for him.”
Djorkaeff urged the Nerazzurri to rediscover their identity as a club before outlining the task at hand to catch Juventus.
“Juventus are a club that functions well everywhere,” he added.
“They make great signings and they manage the club well. It’s weird paying Juventus compliments but they’ve done well, so congratulations to them.
“I hope Inter can be stronger than them under Conte. The season has finished and the transfer window is open.
“Juventus are on another level but Inter have to return to the top.”
Djorkaeff also said he was confident Inter could continue to succeed even without former captain Mauro Icardi, if the 26-year-old leaves this summer.
“If he wants to leave he can go. You can’t keep hold of players who don’t want to play for Inter, there are thousands who would want to.”
