Inter coach Antonio Conte insists he didn’t request the club to sign Edin Dzeko and claims Christian Eriksen ‘can’t only play’ for free kicks.
Inter and Roma are in talks over a possible swap deal between Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez.
“I didn’t ask anything to the owners. I’ve always said we are going to keep hold of our players until the end of the season,” Conte said at a press conference.
Inter coach Antonio Conte insists he didn’t request the club to sign Edin Dzeko and claims Christian Eriksen ‘can’t only play’ for free kicks.
Inter and Roma are in talks over a possible swap deal between Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez.
“I didn’t ask anything to the owners. I’ve always said we are going to keep hold of our players until the end of the season,” Conte said at a press conference.
“I’m not going to talk about Dzeko, because he is a player of Roma and I respect his club and my players. The situation is clear, nobody is leaving, unless someone is unhappy and hands in a transfer request.
“If we’ll have a chance to do something without spending money then we may do it. We can only work and stay quiet,” he continued.
“I don’t want these distractions for my team.
“Sanchez is a player of Inter and must remain concentrated,” the coach added.
The Nerazzurri host Benevento at the Stadio Meazza tomorrow.
“They are doing so well, I am happy for Pippo [Inzaghi]. Now the ‘girone di ritorno’ begins, every point will be heavier. Everyone will be much more focused in the second part of the season.
“We are working hard, but we can do more. Work on the finish, work on the quality of the last pass. We create many goal scoring opportunities, but we must be more determined. We can and we must improve.”
Christian Eriksen scored a last-minute free kick winner against Milan on Tuesday.
"In rugby, there are players who come off the bench for set pieces," Conte said with a smile on his face.
“We are hoping Christian can help us also in different situations. He can be an extra weapon for us, but a player can’t only stay on the pitch for the free kicks,” Conte warned.
The coach will be suspended for the next two Serie A games.
“I asked the club not to appeal my ban. We have to accept these situations. If that’s what they decided, we must accept it, whether it’s right or wrong. We prepared the game yesterday and we’ll do the same today. I have a very prepared staff that will replace me perfectly.”
Matias Vecino scored a goal with the Primavera team yesterday.
“We agreed he must play some games, but it’s difficult to organise friendlies. We hope he can reach the peak of his form as soon as possible. Sensi is working too.”
Romelu Lukaku will be suspended in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Juve next week, but the Sporting Judge could also open an investigation on possible discrimination against the Inter striker.
“I don’t care a possible investigation. I must coach my players, Romelu was on a yellow card and, therefore, he will be suspended.”