Roma full-back Maicon says tomorrow’s Inter match has “a special flavour” and is “very important”.
The Brazilian spent six seasons with the Nerazzurri, winning four Scudetti, two Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
After a brief spell with Manchester city, the right-back returned to Serie A with Roma, and will face his old side tomorrow in a potentially crucial match in the fight for third-place. Click here for a match preview.
Roma full-back Maicon says tomorrow’s Inter match has “a special flavour” and is “very important”.
The Brazilian spent six seasons with the Nerazzurri, winning four Scudetti, two Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
After a brief spell with Manchester city, the right-back returned to Serie A with Roma, and will face his old side tomorrow in a potentially crucial match in the fight for third-place. Click here for a match preview.
“The match against Inter definitely has a special flavour given the past I have with the Nerazzurri,” Maicon told Roma Match Program.
“It’s a difficult match and at the same time very important. We’re very close in the table, and three points could give us a nice gap.
“They have important players who can do well. We’re preparing in the best way in training to give our all on Saturday night.
“Inter started very well, they won some difficult matches and appeared to have the potential to compete for the Scudetto.
“Then they stumbled a bit, which happens in the Italian League, and the teams behind them took advantage.
“Now they’re back to playing good football, they’ve proved their worth and they want a place in Europe.”
Maicon also discussed his relationship with Nerazzurri Coach Roberto Mancini, having worked with him during his time at San Siro, as well as at Manchester City.
“Mancini is great. He knows football to perfection and knows how to get his message across.
“He’s a great Coach and a great person. When I first arrived at Inter he helped me a lot. For a foreigner it’s not easy to settle in Italian football, and he gave me good advice.
“It was an important part of my growth as a footballer and I owe him a lot.
“City? It wasn’t an easy choice [to leave Inter] but it was time for a change. City had an ambitious project which was getting underway and that convinced me.
“Unfortunately it didn’t go well, but I don’t blame that on the club or the Coach. I got injured in my second game and it went downhill from there.
“I had difficult months but it was important for my growth. It’s easy to be aware of your strengths when everything is going well, the dark periods build character.”
Finally, the defender discussed Lupi Coach Luciano Spalletti, who is in his second spell with the club having replaced Rudi Garcia in January.
“The Coach always studies our opponents,” Maicon explained.
“He knows how to handle them and handle us. He’s a great Coach, and I say that because I’ve dealt with him many times. I’m glad he came.
“He knows the club and it shows. He’s really imposed his philosophy and we players know what he wants from us.
“Every Coach has his own philosophy, and Spalletti has us working hard on the pitch. Since his arrival he’s had precise words for the player and the fans.
“He knows Italian football better than anyone.”