Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke of his pride at seeing his team secure an 11th consecutive Serie A win as they beat Cagliari 1-0, whilst joking that he only doesn’t continue playing as he would outclass them.
The Nerazzurri ran out victors at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza today courtesy of a late Matteo Darmian goal, as they opened up an 11 point gap at the top of the table with just eight games remaining.
Speaking to television channel InterTV after the match, the former Juventus midfielder declared his joy at the win and praised the mentality of the team, after visibly expressing his delight at the final whistle.
“This team shares every moment and everything. We have experienced difficult moments but even then we closed in together. We came out of these situations as great men,” Conte claimed.
“It’s very nice to see. If I could play, I would so as to give my contribution to this team. I could play, but I don’t go out on to the pitch because I would bury them! Joking aside, it’s right to convey the correct emotions of this team. I don’t feel like a father, but with them I am an older brother, and the affection is mutual.”
With the season drawing to a close, Inter are on the verge of securing a first Scudetto since 2010 but Conte showed no signs of being ready to let up in his pursuit of the title despite a difficult match against Cagliari.
“As the matches become fewer, the points are worth double. It was not easy to face three difficult matches in eight days since the international break, but we have picked up nine points and this is very important.
“We are aware that there is still work to be done but we are on the right path. There is the correct desire, fighting spirit and determination from everyone. Cagliari came to the San Siro looking to defend and we were aware of that. Our line-up was very technical, especially in midfield, and we did well. Their goalkeeper was very good but we kept cool heads.”
Inter continued to show their resilience in defence as they recorded a seventh clean sheet in 11 matches and Conte felt that this ought to emphasise the performance of the team.
“I think this team is doing very interesting things in terms of numbers. Valued in the right way they would give more prestige to the team’s work. We are building something important, although at times it feels as if it is never enough.
“Let’s enjoy this moment, whilst staying focused as nothing has been achieved yet. There is the chance to do something extraordinary together,” the coach concluded.
