Inter captain Samir Handanovic has explained how strong he thinks the current Inter side is and how they must continue to win trophies whilst they have the chance, according to a report in the Italian print media.
Speaking during an interview with Tuttosport, the Slovenian goalkeeper discussed an array of topics such as the state of the squad, his potential replacements, and the difference between Simone Inzaghi and Antonio Conte.
When asked about why it took so long after joining Inter for Samir Handanovic to in trophies, he explained that sometimes that is the way football works.
“Nine years ago Inter and I chose each other, it took us a long time because it is sport, not mathematics and in this period, obviously, there was someone better than us.
“It took us to return to the Champions League too after a long time despite the fact that for a club like Inter that would have been a minimum goal.
“To win, however, many things are needed: the right people and clear guidelines respected by everyone.
“The captain’s armband and the Scudetto are amazing, they came by experiencing the difficult moments of transition that the club has gone through over the years.
“It was a path of growth and it was difficult to predict how long it would last to find fulfilment.”
When talking about Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi who have left the club this summer he explained that teams can still find success after losing key players.
“In recent years we have built a certain kind of mentality that cannot be forgotten just because two strong players have left.
“Inter won the treble after Ibrahimovic left, while Lazio, at the time, won the Scudetto after the departure of Vieri.
“Both great champions and this confirms how the group is what makes you keep going and that you shouldn’t depend on one or two players.”
It is very clear that Samir Handanovic is not at all concerned about the quality of the squad after a difficult transfer window.
“When I turn around in the locker room I see so many strong players and serious professionals. This is a team that can and must continue to win.
“I don’t know if we are more or less strong than a year ago, but we are certainly more complete. And we also have more experience.”
Inter are desperate to get out of the group stage of the Champions League this season after failing for so many years. Samir Handanovic believes the team have learned a lot from past failings.
“We will try to show on the pitch what all those disappointments have taught us, you don’t need to put it in words.”
On Inter’s previous coach, Antonio Conte, the goalkeeper believes that players must thank him for what he did for the club.
“We players have only to thank him, even if they have been two busy years with him. What struck me most is the mentality he brought and on this I think we have taken the biggest step.
“Conte is one who gets excited when he speaks to the team and knows how to excite his players and never misses the moment in which to say things.”
Simone Inzaghi has been praised by many players and pundits for clearly having his own ideas for Inter without doing anything to radical, which Samir Handanovic agrees with.
“We started again with the 3-5-2, many good things remained and he put his ideas into it, explaining what we can also improve in order to grow further.”
Samir Handanovic made an error in the 3-1 win over Hellas Verona before the international break but he doesn’t let it stay with him if the team still wins.
“It takes a while to process defeats and mistakes, but everything has to happen in the right way: if you make a mistake, it means that you are alive.
“Then, under the skin, we all have blood, it’s normal. Better if you win after a mistake, at that point you don’t care.”
Andre Onana is being heavily linked with the club as Samir Handanovic’s replacement but he is just focusing on doing his job well.
“It’s part of the game. These things happen everywhere and with everyone, then it’s normal: I still feel good, I enjoy myself, I live for football which is my passion.
“Now I think about today, then we’ll see. The important thing is that Inter achieve its goals.”
