Antonio Conte pushed Ivan Perisic closer to Inter’s exit door last night after admitting he is unsuited to playing at wing-back.
Perisic came on as a half-time substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in Singapore, which was settled by Mason Greenwood’s second-half strike.
Conte praised the Croatian international for his work rate but seemed to suggest there was no space for him in his 3-5-2 system.
“He’s at least been trying to do what I’ve asked from him in the last 8-9 days,” Conte said in his post-match press conference.
“I’ve got a negative feeling about whether he can do what the team needs from him, though.
“I can’t say anything about his attitude or commitment but everyone has their position and you have to respect that. You can’t change a player’s characteristics.”
Conte was impressed with Inter’s team spirit against United but warned his players they had a lot of improving to do.
“We were playing a very strong and physical side and I can only talk well of how my players approached the match,” he continued.
“I’m satisfied about the team’s performances in that respect, but on the other hand we need to move the ball quicker and put into practice everything we’re preparing during preseason.”
Conte also urged his players to embrace the pressure they will feel on their shoulders this season, following the Italian’s appointment as head coach.
“If we want to achieve something significant it’s important we can all feel that pressure,” he concluded.
“Inter are one of the best teams in Italy and that brings expectation, but personally I like that.”
The Nerazzurri will return to action on Wednesday, when they face arch rivals Juventus in Nanjing.