Antonio Conte will help Alexis Sanchez rediscover his true self at Inter this season, the forward’s former Chile under-20 coach assured today.
Jose Sulantay guided La Rojita to a third-place finish at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, taking charge of a squad that also included Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel.
Sanchez is expected to complete a loan move from Manchester United later this week, having been excluded from yesterday’s Premier League match against Wolves.
Sulantay told Tuttomercatoweb: “Alexis knows Serie A very well and in a strong and organised team like Inter, with a great coach such as Antonio Conte, I’m certain he will rediscover himself.
“He’s good enough to play for any top club in Europe, albeit he is coming off a difficult season, and he’ll help the Nerazzurri fight for important targets.
“He’s overcome all the off-field problems now which were complicating his life and now he’s free to think about nothing but football. He can start enjoying himself again while entertaining others by doing what he knows best.”
Sanchez scored just five goals in 45 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the Reds from Arsenal in January 2018.
Sulantay defended the forward against accusations of poor commitment, though, suggesting United’s style of play did not suit him properly.
“Alexis is a sensational player who has lost his way in the last 18 months,” he continued.
“He made a mistake in burning his bridges with Arsenal first of all, because that antagonised him to all his teammates, the club and the fans.
“Then, having achieved his aim of signing for a more ambitious club, in Manchester he found a style of football which was completely unsuited to his skill set.
“United’s style of play is too defensive. Sanchez certainly can’t perform at his best if you’re playing with long balls.”
Asked about the possibility of a reunion with Vidal in Milan, Sulantay added: “Let’s hope so, there’s not much space left for Vidal at Barcelona.
“He needs a new club which will put their faith in him. Inter would definitely be the best solution in this instance.
“Vidal and Sanchez are great friends, playing together could give both an extra push to do better. Italy helped launch their careers and now it could romantically bring them back together.”
