Inter manager Antonio Conte has shared his belief that there are many positives to take from the Derby della Madonnina defeat to AC Milan this past weekend.
“We start again, knowing that we have played a good derby anyway and that we deserved much more than the final result,” he explained in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, which was broadcast a short time ago.
“There is obviously disappointment, because we wanted to give our fans joy, but at the same time we need to analyse the game well, take the many positive things, improve the negative situations and start again. We know that the team has its own ideas, its own features and knows what it wants to do.”
He then went on to discuss the Nerazzurri’s Champions League group and whether it will be a play-off between themselves and Borussia Monchengladbach to go through with favourites for the group, Real Madrid.
“Match against Gladbach? Ours is a balanced group. Borussia have important qualities. At the same time, I believe that we are masters of our destiny, and we must try to improve what we did last year, trying to get through the group.”
Next he spoke on attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen, whose struggles from last season have also continued into this season as well.
“Eriksen? Christian is training well, he is trying to make himself available like everyone else. I will make the choices, he knows he can give more and that we expect more. When he is used, the important thing is that he gives that feeling of improvement.”
In conclusion the former Italian national team boss was asked about the balance in the team and whether there is a lack of it.
“Have we lost balance? We have a squad with precise characteristics, both on the wings and in the midfield. We have always played with the two strikers.
“Our characteristics lead us to practice attacking football. We did it last year too, we need to give newcomers time to find the right balance.
“In defence we are almost all the same as last year. I am convinced that by improving some situations, especially in the possession phase, we will bring excellent results.
“We must not forget that the best teams in Europe score many goals and concede many. We must not become too fossilised on a defensive aspect.”
Conte is now into his second year in charge of Inter. The 51-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2022, has managed Inter in 57 matches across all competitions to date, of which he has won 34, drawn 13 and lost 10.
