Simone Inzaghi still believed in Inter’s chances in the title race and provided an update on Romelu Lukaku and Andre Onana.
The Nerazzurri are currently on a mid-season training retreat in Malta, working hard to be ready for the second half of the season. Inter’s first half of the 2022-23 campaign was difficult, with positivity in the Champions League but disappointing results domestically, leaving the team fifth in the Serie A table after 15 games.
Speaking in a press conference, Inzaghi first discussed Inter’s goals for this training camp.
“We arrived yesterday, we were welcomed very well. We are training well, yesterday’s match was challenging, we did what we had to against a Maltese team of good quality, now we have to work to get to January 4 in the best possible way.”
He commented on the status of those who competed in the World Cup in Qatar.
“I’ve spoken to all the guys involved in the World Cup. We have four who made it to the quarters, Lukaku and Onana are out, they will arrive between Friday and Saturday and join the group. Physically they are all fine, we are expecting them.”
The Inter coach spoke about what happened with Onana at the World Cup.
“There was a misunderstanding that he paid for, but I heard him and he is calm. I can talk about what happened at Inter, he’s a positive guy, when he had to be on the bench he stayed there, when he had to play he played. On Friday he’ll be in Appiano and will start working with us.”
He also discussed striker Romelu Lukaku, who had a difficult time of things in Qatar.
“Clearly he was disappointed, it’s a World Cup and he cares so much about his national team. He played 45 minutes, he had three chances that in the whole match Belgium didn’t have. Having the chances a striker has to be calm.”
Inzaghi touched on Inter’s goals for the January transfer window.
“I am lucky to have a club behind me that is always attentive to what is happening in the market. What counts is trying to work in the best possible way to get to January 4.”
He spoke about if Inter could win the Scudetto this season.
“It’s a wish and a hope. Napoli has made an important run, there are still 23 games to go, there is room for everyone.”
Finally, Inzaghi discussed what mistakes need to be avoided and his expectations for January.
“We will have a very busy January. We have seen that in 15 games there have been 10 victories, but they are not enough, Napoli are going at a very high pace, we have to be ready, with these averages 30 points are not enough.”
Inzaghi should focus on his defensive tactics which are horrible and costing the side many points.