Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta last night in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia.
“Thoughts on this game? It’s certainly a positive result because we faced a very strong team I think, who are now in the fourth year working with Gasperini and I think he has put players on the pitch in recent years according to his idea of football, he makes intensity his weapon, so congratulations to them.”
The 50-year-old Italian coach then touched on the difficulties the squad faced yesterday.
“We’ve tried to fight back with our own strength, also considering that at the moment we don’t have the capacity to hold out when we’re short of four players, two for disqualification, two for injury. It’s not easy. Today we’ve held our ground, we’ve brought Sensi back, who needs to regain his match fitness.”
The former Juventus and Chelsea coach spoke about the game and the difficulties ahead of the team.
“It was a very physical game and I’m happy for Sensi as I was for Barella against Napoli, even though he was disqualified today. I would have been happy to achieve four points between Napoli and Atalanta. We’re there, but we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.”
Conte then discussed whether or not the club are looking to sign any reinforcements soon.
“We need to talk to whoever’s in charge. The only prayer I can say is to try to have everyone available at all times. When you’ve got everyone working hard, if you lose a player, it gets difficult. Everybody does their job, I do mine in the field. The guys are doing great things.”
He touched on which areas in the squad need filling this month.
“These are things that I said two months ago about the club, so it’s only fair that I talk to the right people and not publicly. I can have my interpretation, the club can have another one. My job is to get the players I have to make the most of themselves, I can’t point the blame at anyone.”
“You are people who have football experience and can understand if and where new players are to be deployed. I pray every day to have everyone available, not like today where you are missing four players and you are in trouble.”
The 50-year-old Italian was positive about his squad.
“It went well, we played against a team that have been working together for four years. Gasperini has always fielded players with certain characteristics, Atalanta already has a structure and intensity.”
“I don’t see a small player apart from Gomez, who is a strong player and when he runs, he’s difficult to catch. We are at the beginning of a path and when you start out you know you have to value what you find.”
“We tried to do something this summer, we also replaced important players like Icardi, Perisic and Nainggolan. I can’t be unhappy with what the guys are doing, but I wouldn’t want the first place to be a lie. You have to keep your eyes open.”
Finally, Conte spoke about what the squad are still missing.
“Surely there is a good approach from the team, we must try to keep it and grow in intensity. I want Atalanta to become a point of reference, they’re a team that give intensity and pressure.”
“Bringing this into a top club means doing great things. We want to grow from that point of view too, but we need time, patience, changes over time and growth. These guys are commendable and I’m 200% happy to be their coach. They are going beyond all expectations.”
