New owner Erick Thohir insists youngsters can have a part to play in a successful Inter side of the future.
The Indonesian businessman has spoken of his intention to focus on youth and re-iterated that stance after visiting the club’s Centro Sportivo Giacinto Facchetti yesterday.
New owner Erick Thohir insists youngsters can have a part to play in a successful Inter side of the future.
The Indonesian businessman has spoken of his intention to focus on youth and re-iterated that stance after visiting the club’s Centro Sportivo Giacinto Facchetti yesterday.
“I don't agree with those who say you can’t win with kids,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Because at the end of the day 11 players go out on the pitch.
“We can have superstars, but we can't have all superstars. With a combination of superstars and young players you can always have a good team.
“I think all successful teams start with talented young players, it's always a combination.”
He added: “What I said to the academy Coaches is that they are actually the heroes at Inter because they have the responsibility for producing good players.
“Scouting as well – they have good scouting here and that's why we're able to bring new talents to the academy.
“With a good Coach and a strong organisation I'm sure we can still produce very good young players.
“Inter has one of the best academies in Italy, even in Europe. I want it to be one of the best in the world but not now.
“Right now my main focus is on business for Inter, then on the team and then of course on the academy.”
Inter have various youngsters out on loan at other clubs in the peninsula.
“I like Francesco Bardi and Ibrahima Mbaye [both on loan at Livorno],” Thohir, who bought 70 per cent of the club from Massimo Moratti, added.
“They could be future Inter players, but of course it's up to the management and the Coach. But I hope one day they will join the Inter team.”