Inter director Beppe Marotta insists Simone Inzaghi is having a very positive season and he didn’t expect to be 2-0 up in the Champions League semi-final, but reveals Rafael Leao almost joined them instead of Milan.
The club chief was speaking at the Milano Football Week event organised by La Gazzetta dello Sport and discussed everything from his past and future to the present.
The most recent result certainly left him feeling pleased, beating Milan 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at San Siro, and even Marotta admits that was better than expected.
“We have an advantage, but must also read the moment and be humble and motivated as well as have belief we can achieve something important,” said the CEO.
“We mustn’t rest on our laurels, experience teaches me things can change rapidly. We could’ve won 3-0, but then Sandro Tonali hit the woodwork, so the important thing is the performance. To be honest, I never would’ve imagined a 2-0 lead.”
That performance, as well as reaching the Coppa Italia Final again, retaining the Supercoppa Italiana and with a win against Sassuolo this evening would leapfrog Lazio into third place in Serie A.
Criticism remains of Inzaghi after losing 11 league matches this season, but the club now seems more inclined to keep their coach.
“Inzaghi would deserve a great deal of credit if we reach the Champions League Final, just as in negative situations the coach gets targeted for criticism. The culture of Inter is giving our all and Inzaghi is the greatest example of that, showing he was able to overcome high-pressure moments and perhaps exaggerated criticism.”
Marotta reiterated his claim that the long break for the 2022 World Cup in November and December made it an ‘anomalous’ season that affected Serie A results, not to mention Napoli’s domination from start to finish.
“As things stand today, we can only view the season positively. Being in three competitions, with two as protagonists to the end, means that’s at least seven out of 10. If we were further up in the Serie A table, it would be a nine or even 10.
“It is not just the coach that has to be judged, but the club too. When we dropped points against the inferior teams, with all due respect, that means something didn’t work and it’s not right to pin all the blame on the coach. Inzaghi is doing well, he recovered from that moment of negativity.
“It was right for us to put pressure on him at the time, because we are Inter and must always do our best.”
During the event, Marotta also revealed an interesting behind the scenes transfer rumour that had more than a kernel of truth to it, namely that Rafael Leao could’ve been playing on the blue and black side of San Siro instead.
“Yes, I can confirm it. But then we made different choices.”
Milan Skriniar will not be renewing his contract with Inter and can therefore join PSG as a free agent, just months after the club turned down over €60m. “I would prefer to talk about that after the season has concluded. It certainly could’ve gone better, but there is certainly great disappointment.”