Former Inter goalkeeper Sebastien Frey believes that Inter manager Antonio Conte has been right to say that when a new project starts time is required.
“Inter have lost too many points since the resumption of the season. The nice thing is that Inter still have something to play for this season in the shape of the Europa League, even if the missteps have had an impact when it comes to the Scudetto,” he explained in an interview with Italian news outlet FCInter1908.it.
“Conte said a very sensible thing. When you start a cycle, it is normal that you need some time. He is very good, for me he is among the best around. This year I don’t think he did so badly. The true value of his Inter will be seen next season.”
The Frenchman then went on to speak on Inter attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen who has struggled to perform to expectations since his arrival at the club in the most recent January transfer window.
“I remember what kind of player he was before arriving in Milan. When he signed I said that he would surely have been an added value, but Conte has made the choices he has because he must have saw something during training.
“The coach must make his assessments for the good of the team and it is right that he inserts those who have settled in before him and are performing more at the moment.”
Frey was then asked about Samir Handanovic’s recent struggles and whether Inter should be looking around for his successor now.
“He is certainly no longer 20-years-old, so it is only right that Inter should begin to think about who can replace a great goalkeeper like him.
“He made a mistake against Torino, but is still able to be important for this team. He won’t last 50 years, maybe he will have to be replaced next year or in two years, but at the moment he remains the team captain and at least until the end of the season he will do his duty.”
In conclusion the former Bursaspor shot-stopper was asked about Inter’s upcoming match against another of his former employers, Fiorentina.
“The Viola now have nothing to play for, so they will be very calm, while Inter will have pressure on them because they want to consolidate their place in the standings. Conte’s team must get the necessarily result.”
Frey joined Inter in the Summer of 1998 from French club Cannes and spent the next three years on the club’s books before departing for fellow Serie A side Parma in 2001.
During his three year spell with Inter, Frey made 47 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he kept 14 clean sheets.
