Roberto Mancini was “very happy” with Inter’s Milan derby performance considering he “only had five days to work.”
This 1-1 draw was his first match in charge since replacing sacked Walter Mazzarri last Saturday.
“Derbies are always difficult and this was no different,” Mancio told Sky Sport Italia.
Roberto Mancini was “very happy” with Inter’s Milan derby performance considering he “only had five days to work.”
This 1-1 draw was his first match in charge since replacing sacked Walter Mazzarri last Saturday.
“Derbies are always difficult and this was no different,” Mancio told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am very happy with the way the team moved, as with five days together to change a system after a year and a half playing 3-5-2 was not easy. They all did very well.
“I don’t expect to change a team completely in five days, especially when the systems are different. It will take time, but our objective is to win as many games as possible quickly, even if we’re not at 100 per cent.
“It takes a while, even though many of these players have already used a four-man defence, especially on international duty. It just takes time and I honestly don’t know how long.”
Mauro Icardi had a great opportunity to score in the opening minutes, but was denied by Diego Lopez.
“When we have the chances, we have to score. That is fundamental and to net early would’ve changed the game. Other than that, the errors were to be expected in the circumstances.”
Mancini was asked whether he has a deep-lying midfielder in the squad or needs to sign one in January.
“I also had a few players out injured, so I don’t know all their characteristics that well. I remember M’Vila was able to play there, while Hernanes is also not 100 per cent fit.
“The system with three up front also had to work hard defending, so the balance will come with time. We often lost the ball with misplaced passes and of course that should not happen.”
Mateo Kovacic was disappointing and struggled to find his position.
“He is a young player who will learn through mistakes, so we mustn’t put too much pressure on him. Playing behind two strikers, wide of the trident or in midfield, I think he can do it all. He has to learn, for example, not to take eight touches to do something simple.
“We wanted to win the derby, but I am very happy with the way the team played.”