Antonio Conte has apologised for his middle finger gesture to Juventus President Andrea Agnelli on Tuesday evening in the Allianz Stadium.
Conte speaking in Inter’s official press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game has said he is sorry for reacting the way did to his former employer Agnelli, as reported by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.
“I could have reacted in another nicer way, applauding, raising my thumb to make it clear that I was listening to what they were saying and I would have been more positive” added Conte.
The former Juventus player and coach clashed with Juve President Agnelli during the game after Agnelli was heard shouting insults at Conte, this is when Conte reacted with the gesture of his middle finger.
“I’m sorry and I’ll learn from it,” concluded Conte.
Switching his attention to Inter’s crunch game with Lazio tomorrow Conte discussed Inter’s number 9 Romelu Lukaku.
Since his altercation with Zlatan Ibrahimović, Lukaku has looked affected and failed to make impact in his last outing vs Juventus.
“I cannot think that Romelu is thinking about something that is not football based, he knows he is an important player for us.
“The last few performances have been a bit dull but he knows we need him and we are counting on him” explained Conte.
Inter have been criticised this season for having missed many chances despite being in a good league position.
“There is the positive aspect for which we create so many chances, we are the best attack in the league.
“But if you don’t score goals you exit competitions as happened in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia” stated Conte.
Inter were eliminated from the Coppa Italia on Tuesday evening meaning yet another fall at the final hurdle for Inter when presented with a big opportunity.
“What happened in the past does not have to concern me.
“I can talk about what is happening with me in this year and a half, I think in my management we have regained credibility.
“We are not yet where we want to be but we are working hard and only a fool does not see our progress ” said Conte on Inter’s tendency to not get the job done when being so close in recent years.
Inter have made strong progress since Conte took over 18 months ago but the coach believes there is still work to be done.
“We must continue to grow and try to do it from all points of view.
Not only with regard to mentality but by adding quality and improving the situation”
Inter have been without midfielder Matias Vecino for some time now and Conte is hoping to have the Uruguayan back as soon as possible.
“For a very long time he has not been able to make an effective contribution. We know him well, he has the qualities of physicality and a runner. It is inevitable that I count on this, given the situation” explained Conte.
Since the early season fixtures Inter have improved massively with regards to conceding goals and seem to have found a better balance in defence and attack.
“It is no coincidence, we started at the beginning of the year in a certain way trying to be very aggressive and leave a lot of space behind the defenders.
“It brought positive effects and some negative ones. We have conceded a few more goals.
“Now we have found balance, we do not give up the pressure but we decide in which areas of the pitch to apply this pressure, trying to remain more compact than before.
“This has brought benefits on a defensive level without detracting from the offensive aspect. We are a bit more balanced” said Conte upon analysing Inter’s style of play.
Conte concluded his conference by speaking on central midfielder Marcelo Brozovic who has cemented his place in Antonio Conte’s midfield in the deep laying midfielder role.
“We work with Brozovic and not only with him on the discourse of finding space, the right position and not to get nervous if he doesn’t manage to touch the ball so much.
“The important thing is that he manages to do it where I ask him to do it. He is far too generous, like Barella, they are guys who run a lot.
“What I ask of Brozovic and all midfielders is to optimize the run, to be in the right position to try to be more efficient, less tired. He has improved a lot on this.
“We have found solutions if they mark us Brozovic as happened with Kulusevksi. He should not feel diminished if the ball does not get passed much from him.
“He has made important improvements in this year and a half in the possession and non-possession phase. I am happy because we started in a way and we have a much more mature and focused player.
“I can only speak well of him, only those who have the opportunity to work and talk to him understand what a guy he is ” concluded Conte.
