Inter director Beppe Marotta insists the club has asked players to accept a pay cut, but won’t force anyone to accept, while he ‘hopes’ Antonio Conte will remain.
The Nerazzurri host Roma at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Inter director Beppe Marotta insists the club has asked players to accept a pay cut, but won’t force anyone to accept, while he ‘hopes’ Antonio Conte will remain.
The Nerazzurri host Roma at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
“We achieved something extraordinary this season that goes down to the coach, the players, the club and the owners. Perhaps even we haven’t quite realised yet what we managed to do,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
Yet Inter met with the players and there are reports the squad were not ready to take a pay cut in order to help the club, especially not give up two months of their salary.
“The other side of the coin is that Inter are always under a huge spotlight that shows up issues that every club has. There are no problems, we are all looking at the situation appealing to conscience, but I can assure you all contractual obligations will be fulfilled.
“It all began with the President, who drew a picture of what the European football system is dealing with right now, including Inter. He just wanted to make people aware of the difficulties that all clubs are going through, but there was absolutely no diktat, there were no orders.
“As I said, Inter will honour its contractual obligations.”
Marotta was asked if Inter will resist selling any big stars this summer and keep hold of Antonio Conte.
“At this moment, it’s only right to focus on the good things we’ve achieved and enjoy this victory until the season is over. At that point, the club will announce everything it needs to and will answer all the questions you ask.
“I think all clubs now are looking at the budget and project for the present and future. I want to make clear we are not in such a disastrous situation that we should wipe out everything we’ve done so far. We can be optimistic about the future.
“We are faced with a post-pandemic situation that has brought big problems all over the business world, and football is also a business.
“As for the Lega Serie A rejecting outside funds, these can be of use, but there have to be negotiations and conditions that don’t always fit the needs and demands of the clubs. So yes to negotiations, but always respecting the expectations of the club.”
Marotta was asked if he believes Conte will still be on the Inter bench next season and his reply was far from conclusive.
“As a person and a director, I certainly hope so. He helped to start an era in two seasons that were affected by COVID. If we look over two years of the Conte era, we have second place in Serie A and the title won several weeks in advance, reaching the Europa League Final, so we certainly hope to continue together even during difficulties.”