Inter CEO Beppe Marotta explains the importance of Simone Inzaghi’s squad rotation in the Champions League with Benfica. ‘It is a bonus for their future and the future of Inter.’
It kicks off at the Estadio da Luz at 20.00 GMT.
Marotta extended his contract with the club last week, perhaps ensuring a level of consistency even if Suning are to sell Inter.
“Extending the contract continues the project started with President Steven Zhang in 2018 and the team that works behind the scenes to keep getting positive results,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“Ausilio, Baccin and others all get along well, we all delegate and have a sense of responsibility, so we are very pleased.”
Last season’s Champions League Finalists have already booked their spot in the knockout rounds, but it all goes down to the final showdown with Real Sociedad at San Siro to decide who gets the leadership.
“Squad rotation is necessary, because the coach must protect the psychological and physical strain on the players who are not just dealing with a tight club schedule, but also international duty.
“It also gives these lads the opportunity to increase their experience and therefore be a bonus for their future and the future of Inter.”
Agent Pablo Bentancur claimed that Inter have been in talks for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, something that seemed to take Marotta by surprise.
“The squad at the disposal of Inzaghi has quality and is well-amalgamated, so we do not need to go on the January transfer market.
“I don’t know why Bentancur said that, I am trying to be respectful, but we never sought out his players.”
Fabio Capello asked Marotta if he is keeping up with the modern tendency to pick players using computer algorithms, seeing as they keep churning out smart signings.
“I am fairly old-school, but as a manager I have to work with algorithms and artificial intelligence now too. I personally believe the human element is crucial when evaluating players, but modern managers must combine competence with technology.
“Sustainability is just a logical balance between costs and revenue. It is not right for any club owners to continually pump money in, the club must also try to get the best value out of young assets.
“Naturally, we want to keep our players for as long as possible, as this group grew over the years, and fortunately we have a squad deep enough that allows us to deal with any emergency situations.”
Marotta was asked if he had to choose between a Scudetto this season, and therefore the second ‘star’ on the jersey, and another Champions League Final, what would he pick?
“I would gladly choose both! We’ll see what happens, but these are two extraordinary targets and the common denominator is to put in the effort to achieve them.”