Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to gathered reporters at a press conference today, following on from the Nerazzurri’s tough 1-1 draw against Lecce. His words were noted by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
“There’s always a great feeling for me when I return to Lecce, no matter what I come back for,” Conte said.
“There will always be this attachment. Am I proud to be from Salento? Need I even point this out? Having said that, I’m a professional and I do my job.”
The 50-year-old Italian coach spoke about what it means for him to return to Lecce.
“Here I go back 30-35 years. Here I spent my childhood, being a ball boy. And then I had the luck and the skill to make my debut with Lecce.”
He then touched on Lecce’s decision to change their formation.
“I think Liverani changed the formation after weighing up a few different things. Today they were less proactive than usual, trying to hit us on the break with Babacar and Lapadula. Congratulations to them.
“We had the chances to win it. But we are a team under construction, we have only been working together for six months.
“Either we always go with the engine at high speeds or we are struggling because we are not the kind of side which is able to win at a cruising speed in Lecce.”
The former Chelsea and Juventus coach spoke about Lecce’s equaliser.
“We conceded a goal that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. But there’s always something to improve when you concede a goal.”
The Italian coach was happy with his squad despite the draw.
“The responses were there, importantly, from everyone. And that’s why we had the first half of the season that we did. We have to keep working.
“If we can then expand the squad in some departments, the club will try to do it. I think about improving my players.”
Finally, Conte discussed Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez.
“He’s training, he’s trying to regain his best condition after his injury and surgery. He’s been out three months. We have to be patient.”
