Inter CEO Beppe Marotta opened up about the ongoing contract negotiations, the future of coach Simone Inzaghi and the fast-approaching deadline of the Oaktree loan.
The Nerazzurri’s party has been spoilt a little bit over the last week, starting with their painful Champions League Round of 16 exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. This clearly dampened their spirits as Inzaghi’s side didn’t have their usual killer instinct in their 1-1 draw with Napoli on Sunday.
Despite the recent storm clouds, Inter are only weeks away from securing a historic 20th league title, which’ll earn them their second Scudetto star. With rivals Milan also sat on 19 titles, getting the star first is an extra bonus for the Nerazzurri.
Speaking to Rai 2 via Calciomercato.com, Marotta first reflected on Inter’s recent draw with Napoli.
“A draw against a strong team, now we have to manage the future in the best possible way. There are still nine games left, we have a consistent advantage that must be managed well.”
He discussed the qualities and future of Inzaghi.
“He has a great quality of learning in the dynamics of an important team like Inter. Here there is much stronger pressure than at Lazio, he has forged a group of young boys and brought a playing system of winning and quality.
“The group have grown with him in self-esteem, even in Europe. We want to continue knowing that behind them there is a management that supports them from all points of view.”
The Inter CEO was asked about the various ongoing contract talks.
“These are issues that interest you more than us. There are no problems when the positions converge in continuing. This is the case with Lautaro Martinez, and it will certainly be the same with Inzaghi because Inter have grown and today he is a winning coach.
“He made it to the nominations for best coach and coaches at Inter, who are a great club. We would like to stay, he has a contract until 2025 and there are the conditions for him to stay.”
Marotta was asked which team were better – his Inter now or his classic Juventus.
“These are historically different moments. Football has changed, today Inzaghi plays a more manoeuvrable style of football. That Juve had very great players who had won many titles before and then again with Juve.
“These guys today are growing up, they are starting to have some starts. There is a lot to do but they are growing continuously. They are two beautiful realities in any case.”
He was also asked if he’d consider becoming the president of the Italian FA one day.
“No, I am tied to Inter until 2027 and I feel very well. In 2027 I will also be 70 years old and I could dedicate myself to sport, perhaps in the context of social issues and the growth of our young people who are still unable to carry out the activity according to the right standards.
“I would do it with great fun. A responsibility like that in the FA does not interest me, although I view the role of president with great respect.”
The Nerazzurri CEO reflected on the team’s elimination from the Champions League.
“It doesn’t change our future plans because the best summary is in the Curva Nord banner: ‘Proud of you’. We are proud and happy with the players, then in the studio your experts know that in the league the strongest win after 38 games.
“The Champions League is also linked to particular factors such as injuries, suspensions or draws. Look at Manchester City-Real Madrid in the quarterfinals and then Borussia Dortmund-Atletico Madrid.
“It’s not that whoever goes out in City-Real are poor. We went out on penalties, and it doesn’t diminish our value.”
Finally, Marotta discussed the upcoming deadline of the Oaktree loan.
“It’s a question pertaining to the ownership, I won’t go into the merits. The ownership is present, and we don’t have any problems. We manage the team calmly and we are planning the future.
“I am sure that this issue will be addressed by the president as soon as possible, for the good and history of Inter, with respect for the fans.”
Read more about Marotta
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