Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia has insisted that he and teammates must continue to work in order to get themselves out of the situation they find themselves in after a poor start to the 2020/21 season.
Inter are sitting down in seventh in Serie A after seven games played, five points behind league leaders AC Milan and are also bottom of their Champions League group.
In an interview with Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, which was broadcast late last night, Ranocchia firstly spoke on the situation around the globe with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a global situation and no one can be pulled out of it. It has to be managed well, you have to limit your actions and have respect for the people you come into contact with. Now we must continue to live in the best possible way.”
He then went on to share what he thinks needs to be done at Inter given the start to the season.
“We must continue to work. We create a lot but unfortunately we have brought home less than we deserved. The path is the right one, even if we now concede goals at every opportunity.
“It’s a moment, but it will pass. The important thing is to improve despite all the difficulties. Many of our team have had COVID-19 and it took longer to recover, but it is a moment that will pass and we must hold on to the top of the rankings.”
Ranocchia then went on to rubbish criticisms made against Inter manager Antonio Conte, including the idea that Conte is no longer as hungry to win as he once was.
“It’s not like that, the coach is always determined and asks a lot of us. We try to give it everything. There has always been criticism, it is part of this world and it must affect us as little as possible.”
In the recent Summer transfer window Ranocchia looked set to depart for Genoa but ended up staying in the end and he was asked whether he is satisfied that he remained at Inter.
“I’m very happy, I never thought of leaving and now I’m throwing all of myself forward when I am called into question. I am also trying to help those who are part of the group.
“The motivation someone wearing these colours has is the maximum. You have to give everything, whether it be for the match, training or off the pitch.
“I hope to achieve important goals. Against Torino it is fundamental, we must win and score points. We will be able to prepare for the match in the next few days with the guys who returned from the national teams.”
The experienced player was then asked about whether he and teammates are already thinking about next week’s crucial Champions League group stage match at home to Real Madrid.
“It’s an important match, we have to get a result to try to continue our journey in the Champions League. We had an excellent game there, we created a lot but unfortunately we didn’t bring home any points. However, everything is open.”
In conclusion he was asked if he thinks it is possible for Inter to win some silverware and spoke on what is being done at the club right now.
“Yes, I hope so and we try every year but the journey is long and little is done with words. We need facts, then at the end of the year we will see.
“Inter must aim high, the work of the club and what we are doing with the coach is extraordinary. We have raised the level, now we must continue then at the end of the year we will see.”
