Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed the Nerazzurri’s schedule, the situations surrounding Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi and the value of finishing second in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia before the Milanese club’s league clash against Genoa this evening.
“Finishing second is important, of course. But our analysis goes into our constant growth in an unfinished year. We may see an overview that would lead us to say we’ve improved, we’re continuing with this growth.”
He then touched on the current situation of Sanchez. The Red Devils have recently refused to extend his loan deal at the club beyond August 5th, the date of the Nerazzurri’s Europa League clash against Getafe.
“It’s an unusual situation, the Europa League would be altered by the unavailability of Sanchez or other players for other clubs. It has not been resolved, we are in continuous negotiations with the aim of at least having him available for the Europa League.”
The Nerazzurri CEO confirmed that the club are not looking to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
“Enthusiasm must always be there, we would miss it otherwise. But we could say its fantasy football, he is absolutely not an objective. He is focused on continuing his life with Barcelona without a shadow of a doubt.”
Despite failing to win the league or Coppa Italia, Marotta didn’t have too many regrets about this season.
“If we made an analysis of the path so far, it is positive and we are happy. There is a small regret if we look at who is ahead of us, but we must be honest in acknowledging the growth we have undergone.
“The fact that we’re taking part in a final phase of the season that’s unusual, it’s difficult to make assessments about teams and players. We have to finish the season and prepare for next season, which will have consequences due to this extended schedule. So far we have to be happy and not settle with it.”
Finally, Marotta spoke about Inter’s match schedule and how it’s taken a toll on the squad.
“I was there, we were penalized. It’s OK to say that it was difficult to combine the demands in a compressed schedule. I do not want to blame the behaviour of the League, everything is an incentive to continue with greater attention, recognizing that in football details do make the difference.”
Inter are currently third in the league table, two points behind second place Atalanta, who dropped points in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan yesterday. A win over 17th place Genoa would see the Milanese club return to second, four points behind league leaders Juventus.
