Antonio Conte has admitted to being pleased with the progress his side have made in recent weeks as part of his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s Serie A opener against Lecce.
The former Italian national team manager held his press conference earlier this afternoon and was asked what his first objective is.
“The first objective for this season is to ensure the fans can recognise themselves in this squad, to create enthusiasm within them, but we know the only way to achieve that is through hard work,” he started.
Conte was then asked what he had made of Inter’s transfer market activity thus far.
“It is right that the club should always talk about it. From the first day there has always been a lot of clarity with the management about everything. We are continuing on this path, there is great mutual esteem. I am happy with what we are creating.
“Beyond the transfer market it is important to create a solid base from which to work from, only time will tell if the gap is smaller. Napoli and Juventus have both made moves on the market. Let’s not look at the others though, let’s focus on ourselves and work to make our fans proud. If we achieve this, I think we will have taken a big step forward.
Next, he was asked whether he thinks it is possible to replicate what he done in his first season at Juventus where he took title outsiders all the way to winning the title.
“I have always said that I wanted to have a 1% chance of being able to win. I think we are working in the right way. We are building something important.
“What I can say is that the chase has begun. I must be objective and say that there is a gap between us and two teams [Juventus and Napoli] that is very important and, as I have always said I cannot set limits, only time will tell what we will fight for, of course we must not work well, but better than others, if we want to do something extraordinary.
“It gives me confidence to have a group of players who want to do this. There is great availability and when there is this we must not set limits knowing that the road will be uphill.”
He also spoke on how things have went at this early stage of his Inter career.
“I am happy with the progress we’ve made so far with the club and squad. I am happy when I arrive for training, because I know I’ll meet up with players who sacrifice themselves to achieve our vision. That is not something to be taken for granted.”
Conte then went on to insist that the ongoing Mauro Icardi saga is not disturbing.
“I have great respect for everyone, but I don’t feel any disturbance. We are working hard, we know full well what approach has been taken with the player, but it is not causing any disturbance for me.”
He then spoke on the arrival of Romelu Lukaku and how the Belgian is fitting in.
“Lukaku arrived full of enthusiasm. He is a very joyful guy to be around and the team immediately welcomed him into their hearts. He was on the edge of the Manchester United squad for a while, so he not at 100% fitness, but has immense potential and can improve in every area.
“I tried him out alongside Lautaro Martinez, Matteo Politano and Sebastiano Esposito, so I am pleased with the synergy that is forming between these players.”
Tomorrow’s match is against Conte’s hometown club and he says it is a game he is happy to have to begin his career as Inter boss.
“Naturally, this is an emotional fixture for me. It was a remarkable draw, but I am above all happy to be facing Lecce in Serie A. They’ve had two incredible seasons and really deserved that promotion. Inevitably, we are opponents tomorrow, but I have a strong connection with Lecce.”
In conclusion, he was asked if there are any players in particular he will be relying on to help out this season.
“If we want to achieve important results everyone needs to improve. Everyone has to increase their level. That is down to me.
“I don’t like naming names but I am 100% certain that to fight for important goals, every player has the potential to improve and this makes me calm. We have a lot of good players, including prospects like Esposito, Pirola and Agoume.”
