Andrea Stramaccioni blasted the media rumours around Esteban Cambiasso, hinted at a tactical switch against Chievo and thanked Inter President Massimo Moratti.
Andrea Stramaccioni blasted the media rumours around Esteban Cambiasso, hinted at a tactical switch against Chievo and thanked Inter President Massimo Moratti.
The Nerazzurri Coach has been under pressure in 2013 after winning just one of the last seven rounds, but was given a vote of confidence by Moratti this week.
“The President once again showed confidence and respect towards both me and the squad. We are all aware that we’re fighting for an important objective and will be to the end,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We are going through a strange period and must improve in terms of our approach to the games. Recent performances have been unsatisfying, but we are working to improve our performances and above all results.
“Milan are having a good season and closing on us, so we will play with a great deal at stake in the Derby.”
Diego Milito, Dejan Stankovic and Cambiasso return from injury lay-offs against Chievo, while Fredy Guarin and Cristian Chivu are suspended.
“We will probably see Milito on the field tomorrow night. Mateo Kovacic could be in the starting XI, though I’ll only resolve my doubts on the line-up at the last minute,” continued Stramaccioni.
“Kovacic is very talented, but we must let him grow without putting too much pressure on him. He may only be 18, but he is mature and his career speaks for him.”
The tactician hit back angrily at the media, who were highly critical of the 3-1 defeat to Siena.
“Ezequiel Schelotto did not play badly against Siena. He hadn’t played in a while and was in a new team, so it takes time to adapt. We signed some new players who can help us improve. We got Schelotto and Zdravko Kuzmanovic to bring more intensity to midfield.
“I read some absurd things on Cambiasso, suggesting he’d had a row with me. He is important to me as a man first and then a player, because he has always given his contribution.”
There are reports that Inter will shelve the three-man defence, returning to a 4-3-3 with Milito, Antonio Cassano and either Rodrigo Palacio or Ricky Alvarez.
“Against Chievo I am thinking of using an attacking, but still balanced, system. Chievo are a good side and tough to take on, as they caused problems for Roma, Lazio and Juventus. We must be focused and remember we are Inter.”