Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen and today’s game against Sassuolo in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia before the game.

“The important term is ‘functional.’ Football is full of these situations, where players are signed who are then not functional to the tactical system or team that they’re placed into.

“We signed Eriksen in January for €20 million and it was an excellent deal on the transfer market, a great opportunity, but naturally the coach has to make his evaluations and has the right to choose his players.

“If we reach January and the player does not play regularly, and asks to be sold, we will deal with the situation and do so without the slightest bit of controversy.

“Naturally, we always try to improve and make the most of opportunities on the transfer market, but the problem is finding players who fit the team and genuinely would improve us.”

Marotta was not concerned about accusations of a lack of experience.

“I do not want to make an excuse, but as we have always said, this season is abnormal due to the stress suffered by teams like us. The paths in the league and Champions League, in fact, are different.

“We are 30 days from the end, it is risky to make a final judgement. Surely the performance must be better, but Antonio Conte is working well here.”

He touched on the Champions League loss to Real Madrid earlier this week.

“Looking at the match, if on 30 minutes you are ten men and immediately a penalty, it is clear that it makes a difference in the autonomy of the remaining match.

“But we are not here to make excuses. We can do better and we will try to do it. But I say that at the beginning of the season and there are many points available, we must absolutely be optimistic.”

The Inter executive commented on whether he had any players in mind to strengthen the team.

“Of course, we always try to improve by taking advantage of opportunities. But it’s not easy to find solutions that are right for us.

“There is also a psycho-physical stress of the team related to these continuous commitments. We finished the 21st of August and some of them immediately went with their national team.

“We realize that today this situation is weighing on us compared to other clubs.”

Finally, Marotta touched on if the team are paying for their more offensive style.

“Last year we were the best defense, now we have the best attack together with Sassuolo. It is worth noting the ease with which they score goals, with actions attributable to our mistakes.

“More attention is needed. The coach will find the right solutions, he will have to give answers to himself, but even here the analysis is partial.”

The 28-year-old Eriksen, who is contracted to the Milanese club until 2024, has not impressed since joining from Tottenham in the January transfer window earlier this year.

The player has clearly not adapted to coach Antonio Conte’s tactical system and has not made the most of his game time so far this campaign.

In the last two international breaks, Eriksen has vented his frustration about his lack of playing time to the media, frustrating the Nerazzurri greatly.

The former Tottenham midfielder now seems destined to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested.