Antonio Conte and his staff deserve huge credit for keeping Inter on track despite the club’s off-field problems, according to the Nerazzurri’s former defender Ivan Cordoba.

Rumours persist that owners Suning could sell the club amid a lack of liquidity, while other reports have stated they could try and get a loan to help them cover costs until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Inter went four points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday courtesy of their dominant win against AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.

“The rumours that have been circulating for a few days are disturbing,” Cordoba explained in an interview with Perform Stats News, as quoted by Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it.

“Conte and his staff have done a very careful job, because it is not easy to keep a team so united when there are certain rumours.

“You don’t always manage to have a team like this so concentrated in such a particular moment.”

Cordoba, who was part of Inter’s historic treble-winning side during the 2009-10 campaign, then discussed the performance in last weekend’s derby, which saw Conte’s side run out 3-0 winners.

“Inter were determined, took care of all the details and were deadly on the counter-attack,” the Colombian explained.

“Let’s say it was a perfect Inter, who now only have to deal only with themselves.

“These three points are only valid if you win the next game.

“However, I am fascinated by seeing a group that works so closely where everyone knows how their teammates move.

“If a mistake is made then somebody is already there to cover his back.”

The former Colombian international, who played over 400 times for Inter between 2000 and 2012, also proceeded to praise Inter club captain Samir Handanovic who made several big saves in the game against the Rossoneri.

“He kept the game going with those saves he made, he is fantastic,” Cordoba said.

In conclusion he spoke on Inter’s bid to win the Serie A title for what would be the first time since the 2009-10 season.

“There is a very specific project in place with the aim to win this year.”

Inter’s next league match comes on Sunday afternoon when Conte’s men will welcome in-form Genoa to San Siro.