Inter goalkeeping legend Ivano Bordon has urged his successor Samir Handanovic to ignore recent criticism directed his way.
Handanovic is expected to guard the posts once again for the Nerazzurri on Sunday when Antonio Conte’s side play Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.
Throughout this season, media outlets, journalists and fans have hit out at the Slovenian for his performances in goal but Bordon, who played for Inter close to 400 times between 1970 and 1983, has urged him to take no notice.
“I think he is an excellent goalkeeper, there are people who criticise him too much,” Bordon told Italian news outlet FCInter1908.it in an exclusive interview.
“Every now and then I would like people not only to look at the negative aspects, but also to look at the positive things that a player does. Otherwise it’s too easy.
“I think Handanovic himself knows if he has made mistakes and where he needs to improve.
“I advise him to isolate himself from what is said on the outside.
“I would trust him, and I think Inter will do the same.”
Bordon was also asked about who he would like to see replace Handanovic, whose Inter contract expires at the end of this season.
“In Italy we have many excellent young goalkeepers but playing for Inter at San Siro is completely different than playing for other teams.
“You need to have personality and good experience.
“It is not easy for a young player to come and play at the Giuseppe Meazza.
“Juan Musso, Alessio Cragno and Pierluigi Gollini? They are all very good goalkeepers.”
Bordon, who also played for Sampdoria during his career, then expressed his thoughts on this weekend’s clash with Juve, recalling some of his own experiences in the historic fixture.
“Juventus have achieved three consecutive victories in the league and will have the opportunity to reduce the gap on those ahead of them even more,” he started.
“Inter, on the other hand, were one step away from victory in Rome but it was still a positive point.
“It’s always an open game, at least initially I expect a tactical match.
“It is a match that can give Juventus a lot of strength.
“For Inter, however, it could be an important confidence boost at an important moment in the season.
“It is important, but not decisive.
“My favourite Inter-Juventus game was a 4-0 win at San Siro in the 1979-80 season, the Scudetto winning season.
“Beating Juve at that time was not easy, it is always a very difficult match.
“I remember that victory with particular affection, even if there were others as well.”
The former Italian national team player was asked whether he is in agreement with the idea that Conte’s current side are the favourites to win the Serie A title this season.
“Yes, I think Inter can fight until the end with AC Milan, Juventus and Roma.
“It seems to me that they are very capable of winning the title if the others fail to keep up.
“Inter are a physically strong team, with good individuals on a technical level.
“Conte has always given a winning mentality to his teams.
“I think that last year we saw very good things as Inter came within a point of Juventus and made it to the final of the UEFA Europa League.
“There are less positive days and that is when criticism comes but there are people who criticise you regardless, you have to accept that too.”
On the subject of the January transfer window, Bordon argued: “I think the squad is OK as it is.
“I would only look for a striker with a similar skills set to Romelu Lukaku, who can give him back-up.
“Then, it’s the coach and the club who decide.
“Maybe you are looking for something in another role too, but in my opinion something would be needed there.”
Bordon proceeded to discuss Christian Eriksen and the struggles that the Dane has had during his year in Milan since joining from Tottenham.
“I don’t know what the reasons are for him not having managed to express himself in Italy yet,” he admitted.
“He may not feel comfortable with our style of football.
“Perhaps, he had a hard time reacting after some bad games but I would like to see him in training every day, to see how he behaves.
“There is a coach at Inter who knows what his qualities are.
“I remember him playing in England, he played behind the strikers.
“I’ve always seen him play there, but I think he has the qualities to play as a play-maker too but sure it takes some time to adjust.”
Bordon was also asked whether Inter should target a league and Coppa Italia double this season or just focus on winning the Serie A title for what would be the first time since the 2009-10 season.
“I think Inter should aim for a double because with them having no more European commitments, they will have the opportunity to make important changes.
“I think it’s important to win both trophies.”
The 69-year-old was also asked about if he has any worries about Inter’s reported financial situation, which has led to lots of talks that Suning could sell the club.
“I read about the situation, but I can’t quite understand what the situation is.
“Apparently, Suning is unable to invest due to the Chinese government’s decisions but it is not easy to understand the situation from the outside.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like judging.
“I say the ownership is strong, I don’t think there are any problems for the team.
“At least I hope not.”