Inter centre-back Stefan De Vrij insists that the Nerazzurri have never felt the weight of expectation since going top of the Serie A table, as they close in on the Scudetto.
Antonio Conte’s side have led at the summit since February and defeated Crotone 2-0 today, putting them on the brink of being crowned champions for the first time since 2010.
Should Atalanta fail to defeat Sassuolo tomorrow afternoon, Inter will win the title, whilst failing that, they have the opportunity to win the league next week at home to Sampdoria.
Speaking to InterTV following the win at the Stadio Ezio Scifa, De Vrij gave an insight into the changing mentality amongst the Inter squad and revealed that they had never let the pressure get to them.
“We managed it well, but I think we didn’t feel the pressure of being top. We focused on the pitch and I think this is an important development,” the Netherlands international claimed.
“The step we have taken this year is learning how to be patient, not become nervous and knowing that sooner or later the goal will arrive, like today. We have brought home an important victory.”
De Vrij has formed a crucial defensive understanding with fellow centre-backs Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, and felt that experience had made them a better collective unit.
“For us it is a pleasure to work together, we have known each other for years and have played together for a long time. We know each other better and talk a lot on the pitch. We have improved a lot.
“I think I have improved a lot, I have learned many things. I am happy with my path, but there is another way to go and the path never ends,” he added.
