Former Inter president Ernesto Pellegrini discussed the Europa League final loss and coach Antonio Conte’s unhappiness at the club in an interview on Friday evening with Italian radio broadcaster Radio Sportiva.
“To be honest, it’s not the best day ever, but life goes on, we have to think about the future, I’m referring to the team and my Inter. My heart always beats black and blue.”
He touched on how the Nerazzurri appeared a little nervous in yesterday’s game, which may have led to the defeat.
“Inter inexplicably entered the pitch with a little bit of nervousness. Not even Lukaku’s goal helped to calm things down a little bit. I thought the game would be played differently, but instead things went as they went. I express my sorrow for President Zhang and all the staff, but they do not have to be so disappointed because Inter have improved a lot compared to previous years.”
The Italian businessman discussed how the foundations laid this season will help the team reach success next season.
“We’ve seen a job well done, second in the league, one point behind a Juve that gave up a little near the end. A European final has been reached after 10 years, there are all the conditions to have an excellent season next year.”
Pellegrini revealed how confused he was regarding Conte’s behaviour in the press in recent weeks, from complaining about the board to alluding to an early departure from the club.
“I didn’t understand Conte’s outburst, I’d be very sorry if he had problems in the family, who obviously come first. I hope that everything can be solved, if he is going to leave it will inevitably happen but I hope it won’t.”
The former Inter president highlighted that people shouldn’t be quick to come to a conclusion regarding the situation, considering that not all facts are public.
“It’s not easy to make a judgment without knowing the all of the facts. Of course, it’s a question of taking Conte and asking him what he has on his mind, why there was this outburst. All in all us fans are happy with the results, sure it would have been nice to win the cup but we didn’t and let’s move on.”
Finally, Pellegrini discussed the possible idea of brining in former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri should Conte leave Inter this summer.
“I like Conte very much, I also know him very well, I have a good relationship with him, but I have a lot of faith in Marotta and Antonello are two great managers and I’m convinced that they will find the right solution for the good of our Inter. The presidents change, the coaches change, the club stays the same. The right solution will be found for us fans who have always loved this team.”
Conte will meet with president Steven Zhang next Tuesday to discuss transfer market objectives and his future.
