Following Inter’s goalless draw at home to Roma, manager Antonio Conte spoke to the gathered media at the post-match press conference with FcInter1908 in attendance.
Conte firstly spoke on how some fans reacted during the game.
“I heard some booing and whistling coming from fans when things went wrong but I think that the team should be given encouragement instead because they are doing their best,” he began.
“These are games that if you cannot win, you must not lose them. Against Juventus it did not happen like that but we got one point this time. I am proud of what the boys are giving me.
“I think that the whole team has grown, I am looking at this situation with a glass half full, so many players are growing in terms of personality.
“We must continue like this and try to stay compact and beautiful. We must get to Christmas and catch our breath. Bless those who have to come up against us. I am too proud to coach this group of players.”
Next he was asked if Inter can make it through to the Champions League knockout stages.
“I do not want to be looking at the score in the other game. I will be all focused on our result because by winning we would do something beautiful and important. Going by our previous performances in Europe, I think we deserve to go on in the competition.
“We know that we will be up against Barcelona and we have great respect for them. We know we have qualification in our own hands. We are united and compact and need to help push these guys over the line. They deserve it, no matter if they win, draw and lose.”
“Today the players gave everything they had and this needs to be recognized. Those who target some young player do not want what is good for Inter. And I put myself there to defend them, they are just bitter.”
He was then asked about the lack of production that came from Inter’s midfield in the match and was quick to share his belief in his methods.
“We are more direct and have a certain way of playing that today produced 5/6 clear cut chances. Before this match, we had scored in every game. I think that pressing opposition teams high up the field is nice to see, there was some nice combination between the strikers, who are game changers. My ideas have always borne fruit.”
