Inter CEO Beppe Marotta insists that he has no intention of returning to former club Juventus and is entirely focussed on success with the Nerazzurri.
The director joined Inter from the Bianconeri in 2018, but amidst reports of potential changes in the backroom staff at Juventus, sought to quash suggestions he could return.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia ahead Inter’s match against Crotone at the Stadio Ezio Scida, Marotta claimed he was looking to begin a period of success in his current position, particularly with the club on the verge of the Scudetto.
“I arrived here at Inter after talking to [President Steven] Zhang and I want to begin a period of Inter dominance. Last year we reached the Europa League Final, it would be nice to continue this even with the difficulties, such as the reduction in revenues linked to COVID-19,” Marotta claimed.
Marotta reunited with former Juventus coach Antonio Conte and he claimed that the tactician was a driving factor behind Inter closing in on a first Scudetto since 2010.
“Even at Juve, Conte gave us and the owners his full backing. Today we find ourselves in the same situation. Conte has been able to enhance the squad available. We are close to victory, there is the right pressure and motivation to take us over the line.
“The feeling is positive, but we have not achieved anything yet. It is right to face this test too, which seems easy but Crotone will have motivation. We must play a determined game to earn a positive result.”
Inter President Steven Zhang returned to Italy this week after seven months of absence in China and Marotta felt his return was well-timed.
“First of all, he took advantage of this apparent post-COVID-19 tranquillity to experience the end of the season with us and talk about the future at the right moment.
“Today we are focused on the end of the season, but he has found a compact group thanks to the work of the coach who has given focus to the entire group.”
Despite financial concerns throughout the season, Inter have continued to perform on the pitch and Marotta praised the professionalism of the squad.
“We have serious professionals, we have not had any issues. Conte has a very strong leadership style and everyone followed the coach. Any bad apple would have been isolated by the group even before the coach did.
“This team have shown a sense of belonging and attachment to the shirt. Few of them have won titles and this adds pressure, but also a motivation to reach an important milestone they did not expect to reach so soon.”
Italian midfielder Stefano Sensi starts against Crotone, and Marotta admitted that his progress had been hampered by injuries since his arrival from Sassuolo in 2019.
“There are players who develop more slowly. [Nicolo] Barella joined immediately, Sensi also had physical problems that affected his consistency. But Inter are betting on him, he is young and together with Barella and [Alessandro] Bastoni he represents the future of the team,” Marotta concluded.
