Inter legend Tarcisio Burgnich discussed the Nerazzurri’s poor start to the season, coach Antonio Conte, Christian Eriksen’s situation and more in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908 earlier today.
First, he spoke about why the Nerazzurri have won only once in the last eight games across all competitions.
“I think this team lacks quality and great players. It’s a good squad, but I don’t see people who are really able to make a difference.
“Something is missing, that is, those players who can win the games on their own. Lukaku and Eriksen are good players, but I think we need something more.”
He still thought that the Milanese club could win the league title this season.
“I believe that Inter can still fight for first. They’re not a team that can dominate, but they can fight up there. It will be a struggle to reach even the top two places.”
The Inter legend spoke about how coach Antonio Conte is different this season compared to last campaign.
“I believe that last year Conte was left alone by the management. A sort of ‘arrange and do it yourself’ system. So now I don’t see Conte working with enthusiasm, even because of what happened last season.
“In my opinion, the right support, the right words of encouragement didn’t come from the management. In this way, without being too close, you cannot create the right atmosphere to take to the pitch and give everything to win.”
Burgnich spoke about the Christian Eriksen situation. The Dane recently complained to the media about his lack of playing time.
“In this case, I also think that a lot of blame lies with the management. He has not been given the right confidence. In this way, you are leading the players to play more for themselves than for the team.
“He did not feel the support of anyone in the environment, so it is difficult to give everything to play your best and drag your teammates to a win. He has not been given any satisfaction.
“Everything has to start from the club, who have to create the conditions to work at their best. In the management, however, they all seem a bit mute.”
He was not sure whether it was better or not for Eriksen to leave the club in January.
“It depends on the degree of enthusiasm he has now. If he has any problems, it becomes difficult for him to perform at his best from here on.
“The psychological aspect is always the most important. The club should admire their players.”
The Nerazzurri legend did not think that coach Antonio Conte should remain in charge after this season.
“Seeing him, I don’t think he’s got the enthusiasm to continue to do things right at Inter. He probably feels ‘slowed down’ by the management.
“He doesn’t feel he’s in the best position to achieve great things. The team does not run together, they have no enthusiasm and no will. It almost seems like there is a chasm between squad and club.”
He commented on whether he would be happy to see Massimiliano Allegri take over as Inter coach, should Antonio Conte leave.
“Training Inter is always very difficult, because you are forced to win. You are always tied to results. He is a coach who has achieved good goals, if he has the support of the club he can eventually do well.
“Same goes for Conte, who has all the qualities to win at Inter, and he has proved it in the past. He must be working in serenity. Winning is not easy, because there is not only us, there is Juve, now also Milan.”
The Italian thought that Inter could still progress out of their Champions League group.
“If they have a bit of high morale, I think so. I don’t see why not. With the right head, even unthinkable results can be achieved.”
Finally, Burgnich thought that Inter could still win the league title.
“I believe they can do it. I don’t see too many teams above Inter.”
