Antonio Conte explains his change of approach to make Inter Scudetto winners and what really changed this season. ‘It’s about knowing when to push.’
The Nerazzurri mathematically clinched the title today for the first time in 11 years, as Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo.
“I think the step we made this season took us to the title and we should enjoy the present, the step that these lads wanted to make. We’ve got another four games to enjoy the moment,” Conte told Rai programme 90 Minuto.
Antonio Conte explains his change of approach to make Inter Scudetto winners and what really changed this season. ‘It’s about knowing when to push.’
The Nerazzurri mathematically clinched the title today for the first time in 11 years, as Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo.
“I think the step we made this season took us to the title and we should enjoy the present, the step that these lads wanted to make. We’ve got another four games to enjoy the moment,” Conte told Rai programme 90 Minuto.
Inter clearly stepped up several gears after November, losing only one Serie A match and breaking well clear of the chasing pack. What changed?
“We had always alternated various situations during the match, sitting a little deeper to then create space on the turnover, or inviting the opposition to attack us so we could then go on the counter.
“The team really developed in that sense, and in a season you must be able to take different approaches to be unpredictable. You cannot always just attack or always defend, it’s about knowing when to push. That’s where we improved, in reading the game and knowing those moments.
“A team cannot press for 90 minutes non-stop. The opponents in Italy study you and find ways to neutralise your strengths. If you are patient and wait for the right moment to strike, and have a team that is in good shape physically, you know that sooner or later the opposition will lose intensity.”
Conte was asked if he wanted to dedicate this title to anyone outside of the football world.
“I dedicate it to those close to me: my wife, my daughter, my brothers. I want to thank Lele Oriali, who is very important to me and has influenced me the most over the years.”
Oriali had also worked with Conte’s Italy staff and followed him to Inter.