Mancini Salme

Inter’s coach Roberto Mancini spoke to Sky Sport Italia after his team drew 1-1 with Palermo away in Sicily.

“We had the chance to go 2-0 up. I’m very happy with our second half performance as well as with our last 15 minutes in the first half. We were forced to unfairly play with 10 men, it was a dive just like in the first half. but there the referee did very well. Playing with 10 men isn’t easy but we played well, just like Sorrentino did. In the first 5 matches we were solid, just like we were today. Of course with 2 wingers play opens up a bit and it looks better, now we have to get back to winning ways which is very important. We tried until the end so I’m satisfied.”

Is it more difficult to get a physical side, like your Inter, to play well?

“I don’t know, it depends. It takes all týpes of players, physical and dynamic. And we’re recovering players too like Biabiany, Ljajic and Nagatomo. We will find the rigth set-up, but I’m content.”

How do you look at Biabiany? Has he fully recovered?

“I’m very happy for him, as a person. The most beautiful thing is that he’s back on the pitch after what had happened to him. I hope that he will soon be able to play 90 minutes so as to put him in the position to play more.”

When will we see an efficient Inter in the first 30 minutes?

“I don’t know but I don’t think we have a team that will win 3 or 4-0 many times. Unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet. However, we are recovering many important players that we have and will be able to field them in a good mix. Despite not being at our top form and not having found the ideal solution, we are in the top of the standings and this is very important.”

When Ljajic came on we saw something happen up front. Is there a risk that Icardi could be left outside of the starting line-up?

“Everyone can be left outside of the starting line-up and this applies to him too. He’s young, he’s improving and just like all strikers, maybe he’s going through a period where he is suffering. Sometime’s an attacker is useful when he works for the team. He should remain calm.”

Was Kondogbia brought off because he had a yellow card?

“I was pleased with him. I wanted to bring Murillo off too as he was also booked and half a foul can always trap you. Even if this particular foul was non-existant.”