Antonio Conte admits Inter are going through 'an experience we hope not having to repeat' but has urged the Nerazzurri to ‘finish the season in the best possible way’, starting with three points against Genoa on Saturday.
The Beneamata travel to Genoa after back-to-back draws with Roma and Fiorentina and will be eager to bounce back with a win against the Grifone.
But Conte insists the current fixture list and the warm weather affects his players.
Antonio Conte admits Inter are going through 'an experience we hope not having to repeat' but has urged the Nerazzurri to ‘finish the season in the best possible way’, starting with three points against Genoa on Saturday.
The Beneamata travel to Genoa after back-to-back draws with Roma and Fiorentina and will be eager to bounce back with a win against the Grifone.
But Conte insists the current fixture list and the warm weather affects his players.
“We are having a totally different experience, the rhythm in the games have changed for the time being,” Conte told Inter TV. “We play and we train in very high temperatures, in a reduced way, just to be able to finish this championship.
“An experience we hope not having to repeat, also because it will affect next season.”
Genoa are fighting for salvation at the other end of the table and Conte is wary of Davide Nicola’s men.
“Beyond the opponent, we must look at our own team and finish our campaign in the best possible way,” he added. “We have quickly studied Genoa, we have great respect for the opponent.
“Nicola is a very good coach, who has done very well in a familiar environment. He has ideas and desire.
“In January they wanted to extend their experience in the top-flight, they are fighting to survive, and it will be tough.
“We will try to continue making unavoidable rotations and manage our energy levels, however, with the ambition of picking up three points.”
The Nerazzurri coach is forced to make changes due to the tough fixture list but has also lost players to injuries and suspension.
“If there are suspensions and injuries, you are obliged to do them. At the same time, in this run-in, it’s essential to rotate and measure the strength.
“Even in training the pace has gone down. It goes for all the teams; you must do well not to give a high physical and mental workload.
“In any case, we are trying to prepare for the game tactically, in the shortest time possible and with as little effort as possible.”
Christian Eriksen has struggled to convince in Serie A so far but Conte urges the Denmark international to ‘continue to work with consistency and seriousness’.
“I don’t really like to talk about individuals. Against Fiorentina, he played a great first half. He is involved and tries to do his best. We will put him in the best conditions to be able to succeed.
“Behind the strikers, he can do what he wants but he needs to continue to work with consistency and seriousness. The results will come.”
Inter are three games from ending the season but must prepare to play Getafe in the Europa League on August 5, only three days after concluding the season against Atalanta.
“On August 5, we play the last 16. Our next opponents, Napoli and Atalanta, will instead have more time to prepare for the Champions League, to rest and give their players the right preparation.
“We finish and then immediately play in Europe. It’s a path charged with work, physically and mentally.”