Former Roma coach Zdenek Zeman believes Inter’s Group Stage elimination from the Champions League in December was down to a lack of conviction.
The Nerazzurri currently sit nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table but were knocked out of European competition after finishing bottom of their group.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere dello Sport today, the Czech tactician claimed that Inter’s hopes of winning the Scudetto were not dependent on going out of the Champions League, and that Antonio Conte’s side could challenge on both fronts.
“Inter did not have to give up the Champions League to win the Scudetto. I would say that at the time, Inter were not convinced of their own strength,” Zeman claimed.
“I remain convinced that playing every three days is a possible and that a team like that, with a coaching staff like that, could afford double or even triple commitments.
“However, I go back to those early days and Conte and the team probably weren’t fully aware of their capabilities. It happens,” Zeman concluded.
Inter must wait to continue their battle for a first league title since 2010 after seeing today’s Serie A match against Sassuolo postponed due to a COVID-19 breakout at the club.
Zeman has not coached since departing Pescara in 2018, but enjoyed two memorable spells with Roma, as well as a stint with Lazio.
