Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke of his satisfaction at leading the club to the Scudetto and warned that not everybody could enjoy such success.
Having been crowned champions following Atalanta’s draw against Sassuolo last weekend, the Nerazzurri were rampant against Sampdoria today and secured a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Claudio Ranieri’s side.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Conte sought to address suggestions he was considering his future amidst internal uncertainty at the club.
“Don’t draw certain conclusions. I just said that in these last two years I have had to put my all in to face certain difficulties that I didn’t know about. Winning at Inter is not something for everyone, this thing gives me satisfaction,” the 51-year-old declared.
Inter continued their unbeaten run since last tasting defeat in Serie A, in the reverse fixture against Sampdoria in January, and Conte was thrilled to have led the club to the title.
“It’s an immense feeling, for the players and all those who have contributed to reach this goal. After 11 years there was a desire to celebrate for our fans, who have waited too long. We are happy to give this joy and satisfaction, continuing to do exceptional things.
“We lost the last game against Sampdoria, but in 19 games we have had 16 wins and three draws. We are doing something incredible, the lads give continuous joy and it is nice to see them play so well.”
Despite their success this season, Conte’s future at the club has been cast into doubt and the coach was reluctant to expand on his comments, preferring to focus on the present.
“I’m not here to talk about the future. I repeat that we must enjoy this Scudetto because we know how much we have worked and suffered for it. We remember the ending but behind it there is a lot of hard work from everyone.
“In two years we have restored credibility to the club. We have to enjoy this moment from here until the end. Only God will know the future.”
The coach was proud to see the development of his players over the course of the season and felt that some had increased their market value as a result of their consistency.
“It was a job that brought a lot of profit, not only from a qualitative point of view but because so many players have valued themselves at the level of the transfer market. Their value is much higher than when I arrived, so the investment on me has borne fruit.
“The players expect from me that I will lead them to victory, because this is my history. I bring expectations and these expectations have been achieved I think.
“In this group there are still many players with great room for improvement too. They know what kind of path must be taken and what mentality is needed. Since we went top we have not given up anything and this is the right mentality. The thought of victory must enter the brain and become an obsession, a drug,” Conte added.
The victory over Sampdoria saw striker Andrea Pinamonti come off the bench and score, with the 21-year-old claiming to have developed this year more than any other season.
“I think the team has always sailed in the right direction, even last year. Last year I said that Pinamonti was the boy who grew up the most because he worked all year with us, he developed a lot and worked with certain ideas.
“He has become much more complete. He knows how to attack with depth and how hold the ball up. He can become a great prospect and be spoken of in the future.”
Inter now face Roma and Juventus before ending the season at home to Udinese, and Conte demanded focus until the end of the campaign.
“The most important match now is the one against Roma, which we want to face with our best display. We have never given up anything by one iota, I’ve surpassed myself at Inter in these two years,” he concluded.
