Former Inter and Fiorentina goalkeeper Francesco Toldo believes that in all likelihood Inter captain Samir Handanovic will remain first-choice goalkeeper at the beginning of next season and then Andre Onana will be blooded into the starting spot.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Toldo gave his thoughts on the goalkeeping situation at the Nerazzurri heading into the season.
Onana’s arrival on a free transfer from Ajax means that Inter now have the player who they have identified as their preferred long-term successor to current captain Handanovic in goal.
This does not mean that the 26-year-old will take over the starting spot right away, however, as Handanovic has extended his contract at the club and still expects to play a role.
Onana may be the player anticipated to be the player anticipated to be the first-choice starter in years to come, but in the shorter term he will share a place with Handanovic.
“I won’t allow myself to give advice,” Toldo said. “I know little about Onana and the situation in the locker room. The key word, however, is fairness.”
“Samir and Andre must help each other,” he continued, “and then the coach will evaluate and communicate his decision to them.”
Regarding his own situation competing for a place with Julio Cesar at Inter, Toldo noted that “I love Mourinho because he speaks clearly to your face. Mancini, when he began to prefer Julio Cesar, was much less so.”
Regarding who he expects to start next season, the former keeper said that “It seems clear to me. The Number One is Samir, but during a season that will be long and also unusual due to the winter World Cup, it will be necessary to find the right moments to blood in Onana.”
Asked about the management of backup keeper Andrei Radu last season, Toldo opined that “I wasn’t a fan. I think that regardless of the circumstances, a young keeper can’t be given so few minutes.”
Asked whether he thinks Onana could initially accept a backup role, he responded that “I repeat, I don’t know him well enough to judge.”
“He will always have to be mentally ready,” Toldo noted of the Cameroonian. “And everyone, starting with Handanovic, his teammates, and the fans at San Siro, will have to support him when he makes some mistakes, as everyone does.”
Toldo then ended on a positive note, stating that “Regardless of how Inzaghi handles the competition for places, the team are in good hands with those two.”
