Inter Coach Antonio Conte: “I’m A Bit Worried Because I’m Always Playing The Same Team”

Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to Sky Sport tonight following the Nerazzurri’s 2-2 draw against Parma at the San Siro.

“Was it a missed opportunity? We don’t have to look at the other teams, we just have to look at ourselves,” he said.

“The first half wasn’t well played. Parma were good, but we made it easier for them. Just look at the two goals. On the other hand I saw a great second half, and, in the end, we would have deserved to win.

“I can’t criticise the lads much because it’s the third game we’ve played in six days and we’re practically always using the same team because of some problems. I’m not calm, I’m not calm from this point of view.

“Stefan de Vrij, for example, had a problem with his adductors while Kwadwo Asamoah had a knee problem. So it becomes difficult to take to the field every three days with a reduced squad.

“Now we’re back in three days at Brescia, where the same players will still have to play for the fourth game in a row.”

Conte then touched on whether there was mental fatigue creeping into his side.

“Playing with them every three days is a nervous strain, of course,” he admitted.

“But now we have to make a virtue out of necessity. And we too, with the squad, must make assessments and understand where we can do better.

“They’re a bit worried because we have four more games. It’s part of the team’s development, but it’s also part of the club’s quest to build and do something better.”

Finally, Conte discussed whether Inter will be active in the upcoming transfer window in January.

“Surely you have to try to get the best out of all the situations and we are trying. It’s inevitable that we’re also betting on young players like Bastoni or Esposito, who played last year and didn’t play with the Primavera.

“Everyone needs to grow, otherwise we risk burning them out. We have to be patient, but I repeat: I’m a bit worried because I’m always playing the same team, with a high risk of injury.

“It’s right to make careful evaluations and understand where we can improve. Serie A and the Champions League are two very exhausting competitions, but Inter are an important team and you can’t just afford to take part.”