Leonardo assures he won't let Inter “feel a weight on their shoulders” as they travel to Catania in a bid to re-open the Scudetto race.
“There is great joy and we cannot hide it,” grinned the Coach. “The team was extraordinary against Napoli for its enthusiasm, work rate, fighting spirit and cool head against an opponent in good shape. Now the even tougher test comes, as we must continue with these great performances in Catania.”
Leonardo assures he won't let Inter “feel a weight on their shoulders” as they travel to Catania in a bid to re-open the Scudetto race.
“There is great joy and we cannot hide it,” grinned the Coach. “The team was extraordinary against Napoli for its enthusiasm, work rate, fighting spirit and cool head against an opponent in good shape. Now the even tougher test comes, as we must continue with these great performances in Catania.”
Samuel Eto'o returns from his three-match ban to bolster the front line, although Julio Cesar is still sidelined.
“Fortunately that suspension has expired and I expect a lot from him. I expect Eto'o.”
Leo was asked if the 3-1 victory in his debut against Napoli took a weight from his shoulders and those of his players.
“My way of viewing football is that it is joy. You cannot experience this sport as a weight on your shoulders. You can win or lose, but always try to improve, to grow and to change. I do not feel the weight of anything in this sport, as I only experience it as emotional moments.
“The only mechanical part of football is tactics, while the rest is passion. We're all hugs now and I'm sure sooner or later someone might tell me to get lost, but that's life. We have to enjoy the moment.
“Now we must focus on the next step that we must win against a tough opponent. Catania will provide a difficult game. The hardest part is maintaining consistency, especially with so many matches this month.”
Not only do the Nerazzurri have to play in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, but they also have two League games in hand that were postponed due to the Club World Cup triumph.
“Can we win the Scudetto? Every team goes through a difficult period during a season and we've already had ours. Eventually it'll happen to the other sides too.”
Inter squad: Castellazzi, Orlandoni, Gallinetta; Cordoba, Zanetti, Lucio, Maicon, Ranocchia, Materazzi, Chivu, Santon; Stankovic, Thiago Motta, Muntari, Mariga, Cambiasso, Obi; Eto'o, Milito, Pandev, Biabiany