Inter club captain and number one goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has admitted that he and teammates cannot let what is happening at the club at the moment affect them in their upcoming Europa League clash against Getafe tomorrow night.
After Inter’s 2-0 win over Atalanta at the weekend, Inter manager Antonio Conte had a public outburst and reports in the days since have suggested that Conte’s days in charge of Inter are numbered with a separation following the Europa League campaign looking likely.
In an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, which was aired a short time ago, Handanovic started by discussing Getafe.
“Getafe are a tough team that reminds me very much of Simeone’s first Atletico Madrid. They are a team that fights for every ball. They do not look to play much and rely on direct play. They have two strikers who do their job very well and who are very experienced.”
He then went on to insist that he and his teammates are doing fine ahead of the match which will take place at the Arena Auf’Schalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
“I have no fear. Being still and rested gives you something and it also takes something away from you too. We have gotten into the rhythm of playing every few days for a month and a half. We are fine and looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
The experienced Slovenian shot-stopper, who has been with Inter since 2012, then discussed the current situation.
“It is an opportunity for everyone. We are ready to give our best and see where we it takes us. We fight the entire season, and lately we’ve been more gritty and cynical, as the Neapolitans say. Plus everyone was worried about not conceding goals and that’s good.
“The team is showing that it is doing well physically and psychologically. We cannot let what happens around us disturb us because we must only think about playing when we take to the field and not the chatter that is made off the pitch.”
This season Handanovic has made 44 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he has kept 14 clean sheets.
