Legendary former Inter goalkeeper Ivano Bordon feels that in spite of some criticism and errors, Nerazzurri captain Samir Handanovic has still been having a good season in goal.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Bordon gave the view that the captain isn’t bothered by the impending arrival of Andre Onana as his long-term successor.
Handanovic has come in for some criticism once again following his error in failing to save Olivier Giroud’s second goal for AC Milan in the derby on Saturday.
The criticism has left the 37-year-old’s future in some doubt given that the club have a clear long-term succession plan lined up in the form of Onana who will come in during the summer for next season.
Handanovic is considering his own future with his contract expiring in the summer, though he could decide to accept the club’s offer to stay on even with Onana in the team.
At any rate, Bordon doesn’t feel that the Slovenian has been weighed down by these considerations on the pitch, and that he is still important to this Inter team.
“He’s admitted sincerely that he could have done more,” Bordon noted of the Slovenian’s error against the Rossoneri. “The goalkeeper is in a very delicate position, if you miss the split second the situation becomes irrecoverable.”
On whether the imminent arrival of Onana is affecting Handanovic, Bordon gave the view that “I don’t think so, Samir is a great professional and he will be training at his best as he always has. And anyway, his season has been positive.”
Of Onana, he said that “I’ve never seen him live, so my analysis is superficial on a technical level or in terms of his leadership. He has good feet and seems to show confidence.”
On what to do next season, Bordon said that “We should see what Samir wants to do, and any offers that come his way.”
“Having two top keeper isn’t an easy situation to manage,” he noted, though he also added that “his presence would certainly be helpful, as Onana will need time to settle in at his new club.”