Antonio Conte was not just furious with Inter after a 2-1 defeat to Bologna, but warned ‘we must understand if this is the right coach and players for a winning project.’
The Nerazzurri had been 1-0 up through Romelu Lukaku’s 20th Serie A goal of the season, but after Lautaro Martinez’s penalty was saved, Bologna turned it around despite being down to 10 men.
Antonio Conte was not just furious with Inter after a 2-1 defeat to Bologna, but warned ‘we must understand if this is the right coach and players for a winning project.’
The Nerazzurri had been 1-0 up through Romelu Lukaku’s 20th Serie A goal of the season, but after Lautaro Martinez’s penalty was saved, Bologna turned it around despite being down to 10 men.
“It’s clear what happened, so there’s not much I can say,” Conte told DAZN after not only the defeat, but also an hour spent in the dressing room with the squad and director Beppe Marotta.
“We all have to take our share of the responsibility, first of all me as the coach, then the players who step on to that pitch. I think we gifted Bologna the game today and it’s not the first time. It happens often, both during the regular season and since the restart.
“There are certainly some situations and evaluations we need to look at. I find it difficult to explain why the penalty save caused us so many issues when we were still in front and playing against 10 men. It shouldn’t matter that you don’t take the chance when you are still in control against 10 men. We were in full control.
“It’s not the first time and we have to ask ourselves questions now, both myself and the players.”
The facts now show Inter have fumbled 18 points from leading situations this season, so the problem must surely be psychological.
“The only thing I can say is that from here to the end of the season each of us, including me, have to prove we belong at Inter. That’s true for the coach and all the players.
“If there is a winning project and we want to get back to winning, we must understand if this is the right coach to win and the right players to win.
“It’s going to be an examination for everyone to the end of the season. We’ve got to give our all, knowing we are up for discussion. I am first in line, as is only right.”
Lautaro Martinez saw his penalty saved, but was he meant to take it?
“I prefer for these matters to stay in the dressing room,” replied Conte. “We have to tend to our wounds. I hope the players have even just one per cent of the rage that is flowing through my veins, because that would already be a good start.”
With Juventus and Atalanta still racking up the victories, does Conte still believe in the Scudetto?
“After gifting a game like this, and also the draw with Sassuolo, it becomes difficult. We have to secure the Champions League place as soon as possible and try to make fewer mistakes.
“I repeat, we all have to prove that we can be part of a winning project, everyone from the coach to the last person on the Inter salary.”