Inter manager Antonio Conte has spoken in length on his future at Inter in great detail following Inter’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla on Friday night but has refused to confirm whether he will stay or leave the club.
Despite making the best possible start by scoring within the first few minutes, Inter were unable to finish the match as victors as Sevilla clinched a sixth Europa League title thanks to a 3-2 scoreline.
“The match was tough and balanced. We had a couple of chances but then there was that unfortunate moment involving Romelu and it is inevitable that it became difficult from there,” Conte expressed during an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia following on from the match.
“Sevilla were lowering the tempo of the match. The regret goes up to a certain point, the players have given everything against players used to this type of final. I think this has shifted the balance.”
The former Italian national team boss was then asked what certainties with regard to next season can be taken from this match.
“These guys must have the certainty that they have worked hard and have grown in an important way, they have come to play a Europa League final, many had their first experience, many young players have had a good experience for the future and to continue playing these competitions, knowing that they played a final.”
He was then unsurprisingly quizzed on his future as the manager of Inter which is reportedly up in the air after his comments following Inter’s season finale versus Atalanta.
“Now we have to go back to Milan, we will take 2-3 days of vacation and then with a cool head we will meet and that’s right.
“We will examine the season, everything and in a very serene way we will try to plan the future of Inter, with or without me.
“It has been a tough season from all points of view, we will have to take a two-day break and then make the decision for the good of Inter, always with the utmost cordiality.
“There is absolutely no resentment, there are views that may or may not be different, evaluations will be made. We will understand in a very serene way.
“For me it was a beautiful year, I thank those who gave me the opportunity to coach Inter and to have a truly beautiful experience. If I have to say one thing, it was worth it and I will always thank you.”
The interviewer tried to push Conte into giving more information but Conte remained tight lipped as he added: “You do not know my point of view and I cannot say it, eventually I will say it when there will be an opportunity to confront each other with a cool head.”
“It is right to build something important, but doing it in harmony is the best thing. Apart from everything for me it was an incredible experience and it was worth it, this means everything and nothing.
“I think I also gave a lot beyond the greatest of expectations, I also received a lot, that’s why I say it was worth it. We need to rest, then it is right that we will also make evaluations with a cool head.
“There is no grudge against anything or anyone, I don’t think anyone in the management has a grudge against me or I towards them.
“It is a matter of points of view and some situations that I faced this year and I didn’t like them. I also have a family, I have to understand if the priority becomes football or family. If some situations will also affect the family discourse then it is no longer good.
“There is a limit to everything, I have to understand where mine arrives and based on certain situations we will clarify, without any resentfulness.
“I will always be grateful to those who gave me the opportunity to have a good year, but at the same time it was very tough. I’ve already said what I thought, if you think I’m backing off I don’t. If we can improve we will improve.”
In conclusion he was asked if there are perhaps too many things that need to be clarified.
“Something happened, it is useless to go around it. We need to understand if there is the will and the desire of everyone not to spend another year in this way as far as I am concerned.
“There are many situations that I will evaluate, just for the president to evaluate them, but in a very serene and peaceful way.
“I will always be very grateful to these people, even to Marotta. A year has gone by, things happen and it is fair to understand why it was a very hard year anyway.
“I know that the years are tough at Inter, but there is a limit to everything. There are also implications that if they have to affect private life it is no longer good.”
