Inter manager Antonio Conte has discussed his future with Inter following the 3-1 success over Torino at San Siro on Monday night.
Inter fell behind after Samir Handanovic dropped the ball at the feet of the clinical Andrea Belotti but scored three goals soon after the second half started to turn things in their favour.
“I honestly think we started the game very well. Then there was this corner kick. It was a period where there was an incident and we conceded a goal,” he explained to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia after the full time whistle.
“I find it sensational that Samir messed up: he hardly makes mistakes. Overall, I think it was a game we dominated. The goal could’ve made us nervous and caused us problems, but we did well to score our goals.
“We’re much less predictable than we were before as now we attack with more men. The result must crown the effort we put in and when it doesn’t, it disappoints me.
“We’ve been punished excessively by certain incidents, but we’re on the right track: playing attacking football and overloading our opponents’ box.”
He was then asked about recent speculation concerning his future and admitted he would not hesitate to step down from his post if people were not happy with the job he is doing.
“I remember that in the last interview I was asked a question about Sanchez, I said to think about this year then we would have made the assessments with the management.
“I was called to Inter for a three-year project, to bring them back where they deserve to be. Inevitably, that takes time. I came here with so much enthusiasm. I have faith.
“I started a three-year project and my contract lasts three years. After that, if they want to extend my contract…
“I’m happy, I know there’s a long way to go, but I don’t want to overstay my welcome.
“If everyone’s happy with the job I’m doing, and I think that’s the case right now, from what I’ve been told, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t go on. If they’re not happy with the job I’m doing then I won’t hesitate to step aside.”
Conte was then asked about January transfer window recruit Christian Eriksen, who was forced to start on the bench for the second consecutive match and had to settle for yet another short substitute appearance.
He has to hold down certain levels, but balance is needed. He’s improving and he’s aware that he joined an ambitious club that is asking a lot of him.
“Expectations are high in Italy. The bigger the name you are, the more people expect from you. I’ve worked in England and the situation there is more enjoyable, more peaceful. He’s committed and doing well, but I have to make decisions for the good of Inter.
“When I pick a player, I don’t look from the neck up. I want them to carry on like this. This team have great spirit. Sometimes they need to believe in their quality more.”
In conclusion he was asked about the attacking tandem of Alexis Sanchez and Lautaro Martinez, both of whom contributed greatly in the match. Sanchez grabbed two assists whilst Lautaro grabbed an assist himself and a goal too.
“They have different characteristics, Alexis loves to receive the ball between the lines and at his feet, he is someone who knows how to beat his man. He knows where to put the ball and although he is not a great goalscorer, he creates many chances. Now he is doing fine but he still has room for improvement.
“He and Lautaro make a good partnership, let’s not forget that for three quarters of the season we have played with Lukaku and Lautaro.
“Lukaku and Lautaro kept us in this position thanks to their goals. I would have liked to have had Sanchez earlier so I could have rotated between the three of them. Now there is an additional weapon from the bench, which I did not have during the year.”
