Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed the Nerazzurri’s current form, the challenge against Roma and their transfer market dealings in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia aired moments ago.
First, he touched on whether the squad’s current position may change the Nerazzurri’s plans.
“We’re five games away from the end of the season, there’s time for the balance sheet later. We can outline an evaluation that cannot be anything but positive. Conte’s work has been seen, not only in the statistics but for the values he has transmitted to the team.”
The former Juventus executive confirmed that the Milanese club will not be looking to sign Roma’s talented midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this summer.
“Zaniolo is certainly important, one of the most interesting youngsters in the league. But we haven’t approached Roma’s management for him and we won’t either.”
He couldn’t add any new information when asked about Inter’s interest in Edin Dzeko.
“Same as for Zaniolo. It’s difficult to talk about the market today, we don’t know what players are on offer and there are competitions that have to come to an end.”
Marotta touched on the current situation surrounding Manchester United’s Alexis Sanchez.
“We know him, we’re happy. We’ll make more targeted assessments because we have him at our disposal. We’ll see what we can do.”
The Inter CEO discussed the club’s transfer market philosophy this summer and if there’ll be a compromise between their desires and coach Antonio Conte’s wishes.
“Obviously, I think it’s right to consider a mix between experienced players with a very strong concept of winning, the result of titles won, and interesting young players.
“Talent is an investment for today and tomorrow, older players are for the here and now. Ours is not a revolutionary process, but evolutionary, step by step growth.
“We have to raise the bar of everything and we want to do it as soon as possible to win again. We are looking for players like this.”
He was vague when discussing Inter owned midfielder Radja Nainggolan.
“He’ll come back to Inter, then we’ll make assessments based on the evolution of the market and the availability of other players from other football clubs.”
Marotta spoke about if the club will look to sign flexible defenders who can play in multiple roles.
“Modern football tells us that depending on the match and availability, coaches have to adapt. The more adaptable the player is, the better he will be. It’s not easy to find them, but the management has to aim high. If they don’t reach their goals, however, it shouldn’t be interpreted as a defeat.”
Finally, he talked about why Christian Eriksen started the game against Roma on the bench, despite his decent performance against SPAL earlier this week.
“When you play every three days, the coach chooses the team based on functionality and weekly work. It’s not a failure, but it’s a necessary rotation given the current schedule.”
