Inter CEO Beppe Marotta feels that the team’s heroics against Barcelona in the Champions League came as something of a surprise.
Speaking to the media at the Gran Gala dal Calcio, as reported by FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive admitted that he hadn’t really expected such positive results, and also made clear that Simone Inzaghi’s future at the club has never been in doubt.
Inter had gone into their two Champions League group stage matches against Barcelona in the space of a week fairly low on confidence.
Facing a team as formidable as this Blaugranas side would be a tough ask at the best of times, but doing so immediately after two Serie A losses in a row looked especially difficult.
However, the Nerazzurri produced two of their best performances of the season to beat Barcelona at the San Siro before picking up a point from a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou.
“The Champions League is a knockout competition, and so single matches count for a lot,” Marotta said.
“It was surprising to have taken four points off of Barcelona in those matches,” he continued, “I hadn’t expected those level of performances against such a top team.”
Of the difficulties coping with a midseason break for the World Cup, Marotta said that “This is the first time that we’ve had this kind of situation with the World Cup, we have to figure out how to deal with it.”
“It’s necessary to have foresight regarding how things will look on the other side of it,” he continued.
Asked if Inter will need to come back stronger, the CEO replied “Definitely, yes, the important thing is that we stay as possible to the teams at the top after the last weekend in November.”
“After the break, we’ll certainly come back at our best.”
Regarding the injury absence of striker Romelu Lukaku, Marotta said that “As you know, football is a team sport, and individual players aren’t completely relied on.”
Of the team’s start to the campaign, Marotta said that “It’s like the team started with an invisible handicap, and they had to use their experience and professionalism to figure it out and get through it.”
“The team that played good football and took a lot of points last season is back, however.”
Of the rumours that Simone Inzaghi could be sacked as Inter coach prior to the team’s turnaround in form, Marotta said that “We’re used to receiving criticism, it’s part of the game.”
He then went on that “From the President to the directors, we have never imagined for a single second changing the coach.”
“I have never changed coaches midseason in 27 years in football,” he continued, “things were nowhere near where they’d have to be to consider that.”
“This is a testament to the maturity of the directors here,” he added.
And of rumours regarding a possible sale of Inter by Suning, Marotta said that “These are matters that are above my pay grade, but the owners have done their duty and we’re a club who always honour our contractual obligations.”
