Simone Inzaghi explains how he is using Hakan Calhanoglu to replace Marcelo Brozovic in the Inter midfield, reveals a Samir Handanovic injury and accepts coaches are ‘always under the spotlight.’
The Nerazzurri seem to have truly rediscovered their confidence since that win over Barcelona at San Siro, as they drew 3-3 at Camp Nou to put themselves on the verge of Champions League knockout qualification, then got back on track in Serie A.
Salernitana were swept aside 2-0 by a Lautaro Martinez strike and wonderful individual Nicolò Barella effort.
“We controlled the match from the first to the 94th minute, was always aggressive, concentrated, and that means a lot to a coach, because I know the mentality can waver after a big European game,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“We must continue like this and keep working to get even stronger.”
With Marcelo Brozovic’s injury, everyone assumed Kristjan Asllani would take over, but instead Hakan Calhanoglu has been a revelation as a playmaker.
“Asllani is working well and improving day by day, but at the same time Mkhitaryan arrived with an injury and therefore started a bit behind the others. I opted for Calhanoglu and he is giving me a strong response in that role, he already was a playmaker a few times last season.
“I can assure you Asllani has real character and will be an important figure for Inter for many years to come.”
Inzaghi had seemed to be on the verge of the sack after a disastrous start to the Serie A season, but has turned it around very quickly.
“Coaches are always under the spotlight. Things weren’t going the best way, people looked at the 84 points and second place of last season as something of a defeat, they ignored the two trophies won last term, so that was a pity.
“Now we are coming off three wins and a draw, including two very intense matches against Barcelona. I always tried to work, stay calm, realise there will always be pressure, but I know what I am doing and what I have done.”
Andre Onana seems to have been chosen as the Number 1 goalkeeper at Inter, although Inzaghi insists he will continue to pick on a game by game basis.
“Samir Handanovic was not available today, as he had a dislocated finger, but for all the roles I want to have the options to choose from.
“In midfield we are short and especially in attack, I can only be glad that Dzeko and Lautaro are holding up well after playing a series of intensive matches.
“Lukaku had an injury he’d never experienced before in his career, I can see him working hard to get back as soon as possible, he wasn’t ready for this weekend.”