Claudio Ranieri has not called up PSG transfer target Thiago Motta for Inter’s trip to Lecce. “We have fallen, but we will get back up.”
Claudio Ranieri has not called up PSG transfer target Thiago Motta for Inter’s trip to Lecce. “We have fallen, but we will get back up.”
Thiago Motta has issued a ‘back me or sell me’ ultimatum to the club after receiving an offer from Leonardo’s Paris Saint-Germain.
“Thiago is not in good shape. The doctors told me he has a calf problem and has not trained for two days,” said Ranieri in his press conference.
“It is only normal, and I can assure you this is the only reason why he has not been called up. I cannot base my decisions on the talk from agents or relatives about the transfer market.”
Inter saw their run of eight consecutive victories in all competition grind to a halt this week with a 2-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final defeat to Napoli.
“I am not worried by that loss, but I am curious to see how we will react. More than once we’ve seen this season that this team has the energy to get back on its feet. We have fallen, but we will get back up.
“The team played well and I really liked the performance in Naples. Now we must continue to do well in Serie A and see how many points we end up with.
“What I’m looking for is a team that does not let itself be influenced by anyone or anything. I’d like a perfect machine, with a ferocious determination to reach its target and a strong moral core.”
Some accused Inter of being negative during the derby win over Milan, something that Ranieri does agree with to a degree.
“Up until now we have been practical,” continued the Coach. “Now, as we recover champions like Wesley Sneijder and Diego Forlan, we will try to add quality. Our priorities remain balance and improving our position in the table. Reaching the Champions League zone is crucial.”
Inter squad:Julio Cesar, Castellazzi, Orlandoni; Cordoba, Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Ranocchia, Samuel, Chivu, Faraoni, Nagatomo; Sneijder, Alvarez, Poli, Cambiasso, Obi, Coutinho; Pazzini, Milito, Zarate, Castaignos