Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta: “No Deadline In Milan Skriniar Contract Extension Talks”

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta does not feel that there is any deadline for the response of defender Milan Skriniar to the club’s contract extension offer.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset before the team’s Coppa Italia match against Parma, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive explained that there is no specific date by which Skriniar’s answer is expected, and also stressed the importance of the Coppa Italia.

Talks are ongoing between Inter and Skriniar, but it is far from clear when exactly they will come to an end.

For the talks to reach a conclusion, the defender will have to give his answer to the Nerazzurri’s longstanding offer of a new deal.

There had been reports of deadlines in November or December, but those all came and went without a response from the 27-year-old.

Now, there is talk of a possible point this month when the Nerazzurri will absolutely expect Skriniar’s answer, but as far as Marotta is concerned, there is no specific date that they have in mind.

“We don’t set deadlines,” he said of the matter, “these are dynamics that come up for all clubs.”

“I don’t want to talk about meetings or whatever,” he continued.

“Today we’re focused on a very tough period with a lot of matches close together, we want to take as many points as we can.”

“Beyond the respect that is due to all our players, out focus is on the matches that we are about to face,” Marotta said.

Of the refereeing controversy that surrounded Inter’s 2-2 draw with Monza over the weekend, the CEO said that “I’m upset because we scored a completely good goal that would have allowed us to win.”

“Of course, there are mistakes from players and coaches as well though, so it seems only natural that referees can make them as well.”

Of the fact that VAR was not used in the situation, Marotta said that “The fact that the whistle came hastily showed that sometimes VAR can become useless, we have to take more care to make use of it properly.”

Of the injury problems recurring with striker Romelu Lukaku, the CEO said that “These things happen, Lukaku has given a lot to us in previous seasons, but this time around his time has been punctuated by unfortunate injuries.”

“The hope is that he can find the kind of physical condition and form that will allow him to score goals like we’re used to.”

Of this evening’s match, Marotta said that “The Coppa Italia is always an exciting competition, all the big clubs take it seriously and we know that there can be surprise results so you can never underestimate your opponent.”

And of next week’s Supercoppa Italiana clash with AC Milan, Marotta said that “That’s also an important trophy, it’s prestigious and we had gone a long time without winning it.”

“I hope that it turns out to be a good match, and a good advertisement for Italian football,” the Nerazzurri CEO added.