Nerazzurri Coach Antonio Conte: “Whatever The Outcome, This Is My Inter”

Inter coach Antonio Conte discussed the Nerazzurri’s emphatic 4-2 derby win over rivals AC Milan in an interview with Italian broadcaster InterTV moments after the game.

First, the 50-year-old Italian coach discussed whether or not he would have changed anything about his approach to the first half considering the final result.

“If you had asked me that question at the 46^th minute, I would have said, ‘No, let’s change.’ Now I think it was nice to win a derby in this way, against a strong team like AC Milan, who are much more aware of their own means than in the first half.

“We knew they would put us in trouble. The first half must be important for us. It must make us understand that games should always be played with our heads.

“In the first 45 minutes we only showed their strengths and not their weaknesses. But the responsibility is always mine, because I organize the way we approach the games.”

The former Chelsea and Juventus coach suggested that this Inter squad are finally his Inter, playing the way he wants.

“Whatever the outcome, this is my Inter. I’d have put my face on it even if I lost. This is an Inter I feel is mine. We’re trying to convey values of mentality, work, sacrifice, sweat.

“In the first half we were in great difficulty and getting up is not for everyone. I believe that the great ones are the ones who are able to take hits without getting knocked out, in order to become even stronger.”

Finally, Conte touched on the squad’s incredible response in the second half, both from a technical and physical perspective.

“In modern football, if you’re not fast and strong, you can hardly hold your own at a high level. I try to make the guys understand this, I’m lucky to have a squad that follows me perfectly and doesn’t complain.

“We are supported by the results and these are great goals for me and the staff. But it’s a long way. We have to put our heads down and work.

“We are in a situation where we must not afford to snub anything or anyone. When you’re hungry at the table, you have to sit down and start eating. We want to do this.”

Inter are currently at the top of the league table after 23 games, sitting on 54 points. They are tied with rivals and reigning champions Juventus, who lost against Hellas Verona on Saturday night.

The title race is even more exciting now, considering Lazio’s 1-0 win over Parma yesterday means that there are now three teams within one point of each other at the top of the table.