German journalist Christian Falk, who is the head of football at Sport Bild, discussed Inter owned forward Ivan Perisic as well as players that the Nerazzurri are following in an interview with Italian media outlet PassioneInter.com today.
First, he discussed his condition during the Coronavirus quarantine and how he continues to do his job.
“At the moment I work at home, as do most Germans, especially in Bavaria. As a journalist, the most important tool these days is a mobile phone. As long as the telephone network and internet connection are working, I will still have the possibility to stay in touch with the players and staff. I conduct interviews using programs such as Sky, Face-Time or Zoom, although I would also have the opportunity to conduct them in person, keeping a safe distance of two meters. This is how journalism continues its work during the Coronavirus emergency!”
Falk touched on how Germany is handling the pandemic, considering that there is no lockdown in place.
“I spoke just recently with a colleague of mine at Rai about the differences in everyday life between Germany and Italy. It’s a real relief for Germans to still be able to go out walking or do sports in the open air. We know that the situation even in Italian hospitals remains difficult, which makes us all very sad. We hope that the German government will continue to support Italy.”
The German journalist discussed the measures taken by the Bundesliga to limit the financial impact on clubs.
“The situation of Bundesliga clubs has been quite difficult. At the moment there is an agreement between the league and Sky, who hold the TV rights. Sky have decided to pay the April rights anyway, regardless of whether the league resumes or not. In return, the amount it will pay will be slightly lower than initially agreed. This will help all clubs to pay their salaries and plan for the future.”
He spoke about how Bundesliga players agreed to cut their salaries in order to ensure the financial stability of the clubs and that other staff receive their full pay.
“The players of the German clubs have shown great solidarity in this complex situation. In particular, the two most important teams, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, cut their salaries by 20%, and the others followed their example. This was a very important signal both for the fans and, in particular, for the employees of the clubs, who do not earn salaries comparable to those of the players and were afraid for their work.”
Falk revealed what the German people think of the measures taken by the Italian government to combat Coronavirus and reduce the risks.
“We Germans do not allow ourselves to judge Italy’s decisions in the emergency, it would not be correct. You were hit by the catastrophe when no one knew the size of it yet. Germany, on the other hand, was immediately alarmed when it saw the situation in Italy, so it was able to implement better preventive measures. Given that the situation in Italy is worse, for example, than in Germany, I think it is right not to think about the restart of Serie A yet, if only out of respect for the many dead and their families. In any case, I hope that many countries will realise and rethink the importance and organisation of their health systems. This applies not only to Italy, but also to Spain or England. Germany will do the same.”
The journalist discussed Bayern Munich and the chances that they’ll decide to sign Inter owned forward Ivan Perisic permanently.
“Perisic made a great impression on the management before his injury, he had lived up to expectations. That’s why Bayern Munich would like to buy him from Inter, but the chances of that will also depend on his cost. If the Nerazzurri fell below the €20 million initially agreed, I think the deal would be very likely. The fact is that Perisic would like to stay at Bayern, so I think the two clubs will come to an agreement.”
Falk touched on Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso and whether Inter are looking to sign him.
“Bayern Munich has finally convinced itself to give up Tolisso, and Inter seems interested. However, the value of the Frenchman is significantly higher than that of Perisic, given the difference in wages and age. Tolisso will certainly not be sold for less than €30 million, and in any case exchanges of players with high values are unusual. Even when Bayern and Juve exchanged Coman and Benatia, both players were actually bought separately. Then, of course, negotiations become easier if one club wants a player than another and vice versa.”
He described Tolisso and his qualities, as well as how a move away from Bavaria would be good for the player’s career.
“Tolisso came to Munich as the most expensive purchase in the history of the Bundesliga, €41.5 million. The pressure on him was therefore very high. However, he never met the management’s expectations. He also suffered injuries at crucial parts of the season, and in fact, when he had the chance to play, he showed great potential. Not only does he have great physical strength in defending the ball, he also has an excellent affinity with scoring goals. Probably a change of air would be a good solution for him, it could allow him to show what he’s really worth.”
Falk spoke about former Inter forward Phillip Coutinho and whether he is likely to be purchased by the German club.
“No, Bayern won’t buy Coutinho. Anyone who wants to buy Coutinho won’t have to go to Bayern, but to Barcelona. After having struggled in both Germany and Spain, his value has decreased, so much so that the basis for negotiations should now be around €60 million. The biggest problem, however, is that of his wages, which in Barcelona was worth €10 million a season. Not all clubs can afford such figures, especially with the crisis caused by the Coronavirus. For the midfield, however, I can tell you that Mario Gotze could become an opportunity for Inter. His contract at Borussia Dortmund will expire in June, so he can be signed for free. I’m sure he’ll be contacted at least once, to check things out. However, I know that Inter were particularly interested in Thomas Müller, but he has now renewed his contract with Bayern until 2023. Götze, then, could be a good alternative. Roma is also interested, there have already been contacts in the past.”
The journalist confirmed that David Alaba will not be joining Inter in the summer.
“I’m sorry, I can’t give Inter fans any hope! It’s certain that David won’t go to Milan. If he were to change teams, he would prefer Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, I believe that the crisis caused by the Coronavirus has increased his chances of staying at Bayern Munich.”
Finally, Falk confirmed that RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner will not be joining Inter.
“Werner is not going to Inter, there are already meetings scheduled with Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool is the big favourite to buy him in the summer.”
