Inter CEO Beppe Marotta insists that speculation over the future of coach Simone Inzaghi is not affecting the team, as he praised the tactician.
Speaking to Italian television broadcaster DAZN ahead of Inter’s Serie A match against Roma, and as reported by FCInterNews, Marotta argued that Inzaghi’s results on the pitch were not the only factor in assessing whether the coach would remain beyond the end of the season.
“Coaches are always under scrutiny, but managers always take into account the human factors of the coach when evaluating, not just the results,” Marotta said.
“The fact that there has been murmurings outside about the changes has not touched us because Inzaghi’s work has been positive and very well accepted by everyone.”
Marotta insisted that Inter had rediscovered their form in recent weeks after a difficult spell, but was expecting a tough encounter against Roma.
“The team is doing well, we have the comfort of results that in sport increase confidence, motivation and determination.
“These are important components to face a Roma side that looks tired but is still Roma, with a great crowd that will support them. We must start from this knowing the opponent.
“I think certainly the fact of having passed through the Champions League round by overcoming Benfica. At that moment the team was compacted in self-esteem and conviction.
“Then the fact that we overcame Juventus and obtained positive results in the league rebuilt confidence. There have been missteps, but we are Inter and we must compete for the best in every competition knowing that the strengths are there.”
The match represents a key battle in the race for Champions League qualification, with Inter just two points clear of the Lupi, and it is set to be a tense end to the campaign.
“It will be an electric finale, beyond the league we have three important games for the end of the season on 10, 16 and 24 May.
“Then there will be the league, so we have to combine everyone’s wishes with the needs of the club. But I must congratulate Inzaghi because he is doing things in the best possible way.”
Inter face AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final in midweek, but Marotta wouldn’t be drawn on an injury suffered by Rossoneri star Rafael Leao.
“I don’t even know what the injury is. Certainly one player alone is not decisive, it is the collective that determines the final result. If he misses out, Pioli will be able to replace him,” Marotta concluded.
