Roberto Mancini admits Inter still need to ‘settle’ and isn’t writing off Juventus just yet.
The Nerazzurri emerged with a 1-0 win from the derby with Milan last night, maintaining their perfect start to the season.
“We’re pleased to be top, but we know there’s a long road ahead,” Mancini told assembled journalists at Expo in Milan.
Roberto Mancini admits Inter still need to ‘settle’ and isn’t writing off Juventus just yet.
The Nerazzurri emerged with a 1-0 win from the derby with Milan last night, maintaining their perfect start to the season.
“We’re pleased to be top, but we know there’s a long road ahead,” Mancini told assembled journalists at Expo in Milan.
“We’re delighted to have won the derby, but we haven’t achieved anything yet. I’m especially happy for [Massimo] Moratti and [President Erick] Thohir. The latter couldn’t come to the game, but I hope he enjoyed it.
“Compared to last season we have some new players, but the squad was good last year too. When there are changes, you need time to settle.
“We’ve got some players in recently, some we’ve had for a week, others for just four days [due to the international break], and it’s clear they need to acclimatise a bit.
“The important thing for now was to get the result. We’re top of the table, but that doesn’t change anything. We know what we have to do, and we have to stay focused.”
Juventus are eight points behind the Nerazzurri after the first three games, but Mancio is not ready to write off the Bianconeri.
“That’s football, but if they don’t win the League, then they’ll certainly be there or thereabouts.”
With Joao Miranda injured for last night’s match, the Coach turned to midfielder Gary Medel in central defence, rather than club captain Andrea Ranocchia.
“If I was in his place, I’d have felt bad,” Mancini admitted.
“But I’d be doing all I could to embarrass the Coach and make him think again. With things like this, the Coach always gets the blame, but it’s up to the player to make sure he puts in a performance so the Coach picks him.
“I am, however, convinced that he’ll get back to being useful for the cause.”