Inter director Beppe Marotta praised Simone Inzaghi and excused their recent ‘downward trend,’ but refused to confirm or deny they were the only Super League club to avoid signing the contract.
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“We saw January and February lead to a compression of fixtures both at club and international level. It is the most difficult period of the season and we want to emerge from it in the best possible way,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s true we had some injuries, but there have also been periods of good performances at the start of the season that were frankly out of the ordinary, whereas now we are a little below par.
“We are confident in the strength of our squad and maintain our ambitions, we are sure we’ll get back to playing with that same determination.”
Inzaghi has been under fire for some of his decisions and the setbacks in their results, with just three draws in the last five competitive games.
“The club is very happy with the path the coach has taken, both in terms of results and getting performances out of the team. We trust this downward trend period, which is not a crisis but a downward trend, can be overcome quickly with the strategies and ‘therapies’ of the coach.
“I can only reiterate the extraordinary way he leads the group and the remarkable professional that he is.”
Marotta was asked if the club had lowered its ambitions to just a Champions League spot after Antonio Conte’s departure, bringing in Inzaghi.
“Finishing in the top four includes first place. In sport you must not be afraid to keep the bar high, so ambition is important.
“We must fight in every way to achieve our second Scudetto, that is the objective, but if other teams do better, we will tip our hats to them. The important thing is to aim high.”
Inter will face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, after the 2-0 first leg home defeat.
“We got through the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in a decade, and that is already progress. The squad has grown in terms of experience.
“Unfortunately, we were drawn against one of the best sides in the world, but we must still continue to fight and believe to the last minute.”
Juventus President Andrea Agnelli said that 11 out of the 12 Super League clubs signed a binding contract, with reports that Inter were the only ones not to sign that agreement.
Marotta was asked outright if Inter were indeed the only club not to sign that contract, but refused to give a straight answer.
“There was a strong debate last summer, Inter made some very precise declarations. This is the time to dedicate ourselves to this season. There will be time to go back and talk about that, but right now we need to focus on making the club sustainable and continue to gain results on the field.
“I don’t feel that I should give a precise response. These are delicate issues and it’s only right we talk about it in the right situations and the right times.”
🗣 Fiducia rinnovata ad Inzaghi e la precisazione sulla Superlega: le parole di Marotta 👇⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/Gdp2v6WsYD
— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) March 4, 2022
Do you think he is referring to the Statute of Limitations, when he says we will talk when the time is right? Seems to be something Inter does regularly.
@homer
your name fits you well.