Geoffrey Kondogbia reveals Inter Coach Roberto Mancini expects him to score ‘at least 10 goals’ this season.
The midfielder joined the Nerazzurri this summer from Monaco, and while he has primarily been deployed in a defensive midfield role so far, the 22-year-old reveals the Coach expects him to hit double figures.
“He says he expects at least 10 goals from me,” Kondogbia told French radio station RTL.
“He says that to encourage me, but he really does want me to make a contribution going forward.”
Geoffrey Kondogbia reveals Inter Coach Roberto Mancini expects him to score ‘at least 10 goals’ this season.
The midfielder joined the Nerazzurri this summer from Monaco, and while he has primarily been deployed in a defensive midfield role so far, the 22-year-old reveals the Coach expects him to hit double figures.
“He says he expects at least 10 goals from me,” Kondogbia told French radio station RTL.
“He says that to encourage me, but he really does want me to make a contribution going forward.”
Kondogbia also discussed his €35m transfer fee, and reiterates that Mancini was a crucial factor in choosing the Beneamata.
“I wouldn’t say it [the fee] makes me proud, because today a lot of money is spent on transfers, it’s not like in the past.
“Certainly Inter have invested heavily in me, and now I want to repay their confidence on the pitch. I have to show on the pitch I’m worth that amount, and that’s the most important thing for me.
“Could I have gone to Milan? It’s true that there was contact with the Rossoneri, but what made a difference was the words of the Inter Coach, Mancini.
“I never really spoke with Milan, I only got to talk to Mancini. He told me what I wanted to hear, that his goal is to make me improve, and I know he can do that with his coaching abilities.
“This was the best choice for my growth.”
The Frenchman also discussed his reasons for moving to Serie A, and does not feel it will adversely affect his chances of going to Euro 2016.
“Does it bother me that Inter are not in the Champions League?” Kondogbia considered.
“No, I knew that when I came here, I wouldn’t choose a club just for that reason [being in Europe]. The project that was presented to me at Inter is good, just as it was with Monaco when I moved to France.
“I certainly wouldn’t guarantee myself a place in the national team for Euro 2016 just by playing in my homeland.
“If I don’t play in the European Championships, it won’t be because I went to Inter.
“Going to the Euros is a target, but don’t forget there are a lot of other good players like Blaise Matuidi. Everyone has to work hard and assert themselves.
“The loss to Albania? With all due respect to them, it’s normal that a defeat to them would cause anger in France. But I’m not worried, there’s still plenty of time to prepare for the European Championships.”