Today at the Marassi against Sampdoria he could get his moment. Two months after the last match he played as a starter, that of February 2 at the Juventus Stadium, Mateo Kovacic warms up and gets ready for the match against Sampdoria. Inter’s number 10 talked about his moment when he talked to Croatian newspaper Jutarnji in a telephone interview from Appiano directly after training on Thursday afternoon.
What kind of work do you do in the afternoon when you have already trained in the morning?
“I run alone and I carry out additional work.”
Is Mazzarri satisfied with your growth?
“Yes, it’s all good. A part of this afternoon’s session is part of a program that I have been assigned by Niko Kovac (Croatia’s coach, ed.) and Professor Igor Jukic, our athletic trainer. I’m working there every day.”
Are you tired?
“Yes, after a good training. Thank God I have no problem, I feel good. I’m Ready and working full-time.”
It’s a shame you’re not playing more even though you feel well.
“True, but things are not as bad as one might think. I’ve played in twenty-six out of thirty-two matches, even though I started in only eight, while in eighteen I entered the match in progress. In another five I remained on the bench. Regarding the pace it’s certainly not the best thing to play so rarely, but I know well that this is a stage of my career.”
In those twenty-six games you have only played the full 90 minutes in four of them. In these games Inter have played draws. Maybe Mazzarri believes the fault is yours, as they write the Italian media?
“I hadn’t noticed the statistics on these draws, or read newspapers. As a team we don’t care what the press says.”
Let’s talk about your season. It seems that this year you’ve had so many problems.
“It’s true that lately we’ve had difficulties, but it is also true that we are still in the race for the Europa League. The struggle will be decided in the last six games, since we are six teams within five points for a place in Europe. It’s Important to reach this goal, to stay out of Europe for two seasons for a big club like Inter would be an embarrassing thing.”
The disappointment also stems from the way in which you dealt with matches against the so-called ‘small’ teams.
“Realistically speaking we threw away several points in an incredible manner. Maybe you can think that this happened because we are in a year of transition.A new coach has arrived, he changed the game system and previous habits. Even new players have arrived. We started well, then it’s normal to have ups and downs, although of course you have to play better.”
You have played good games as well. What was the best in your opinion?
“One in which I didn’t play. In Florence, we came from a series of negative results and we responded by beating Fiorentina away. Worst? Against Roma early in the season, we were destroyed in the first 45 minutes with 3-0.”
There has been a lot criticisms of Mazzarri, even the fans were expecting more from the new coach. The media have already questioned the position of coach, what do the players think?
“In the team, there isn’t any kind of tension. The coach has a lot of work behind him, he comes from a great time in Napoli and is renowned for being a meticulous tactician and expert. We have learned so much from him.”
A few days ago the new president Erick Thohir confirmed Mazzarri also for the next season. Have you come to know the new owner?
“We have had several meetings and I quickly realized that he is a serious person, who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Thohir is ambitious, that is very important for Inter. I hope that next year he can get great players so we can return to playing in the Champions League.”
In 39 matches in Serie A you are still at zero goals, only one assist. How much do you miss scoring?
“I miss the goal, I’d be lying if I said it is not a burden. Why I haven’t scored? In Serie A it is very difficult to get the opportunity, especially if you have to work even in defense. It’s not an excuse, but in Italy it is very hard to find open space on the pitch. We work every day with the coach, shooting from any position after training with the team. I don’t have a bad shot, perhaps I’m blocked at the moment I see the area. I need to dare more.”
Source: fcinternews.it