Walter Mazzarri confirms he is staying at Inter, calls this season positive and promises from day one of preseason plans for next year will be clear.
The Coach had called a surprise Press conference for Wednesday morning amid speculation that he could be about to announce his exit from the Nerazzurri after just the one season.
However, the 52-year-old has outlined his position, his views on this season and his plans ahead of next season.
Walter Mazzarri confirms he is staying at Inter, calls this season positive and promises from day one of preseason plans for next year will be clear.
The Coach had called a surprise Press conference for Wednesday morning amid speculation that he could be about to announce his exit from the Nerazzurri after just the one season.
However, the 52-year-old has outlined his position, his views on this season and his plans ahead of next season.
“As I said during the year, I could not answer certain questions. Whilst only the numbers can talk,” began Mazzarri in taking questions from the assembled media.
“I preferred to wait until the end because I wanted to achieve the objective of European qualification, which was not so obvious.
“I understood this after the first few days meeting people in Milan. We did so many good things, I thank my staff who have helped me to bring out the best.
“Will I be Coach next year? Certainly, I have a contract. I am happy with the phone call from [President Erick] Thohir that arrived after the victory against Lazio, happy for the objective achieved.
“[Honorary President Massimo] Moratti I also saw during the celebrations on the field for [Javier] Zanetti and this has also made me happy, I have worked well during this year.”
Mazzarri was asked of those saying that this season has not been so good.
“It is a debate that should not end, but I ask you – when we have achieved our objective how can you not say this has been positive?
“Looking at where we have come from, being able to reach our objective, I do not understand why you talk about a bad year.
“Any errors I have made? In hindsight, in a few games I could have done more. At a general level, talking about the coaching staff, I believe that we drew too many games where we threw away a lead.
“I am very self-critical, whilst I think that the criticism received is good when objective as it gives me ideas. As with those I work with, I listen, but I decide. Sometimes the criticism motivates me.
“A new contract? The important thing is that there is great respect between me and the club, and that there is motivation, which I have demonstrated day after day.
“The contract has already been discussed with [sporting director Piero] Ausilio, but I happened to do very well at Napoli whilst my contract was expiring.
“But you know very well that according to certain dynamics, we will also talk about my renewal. If there is a unity of purpose, as there is, we can continue forward together for a long time.”
The Coach was asked of how he intends for the club to close the gap in the table to the likes of Roma and Napoli.
“In my life I have always tried to do well on the field and if we cannot compete on equal terms then we will compete on certain parameters. We want to work to improve things, currently we still have much to do, whilst I will talk with the club on the market, Financial Fair Play and the rest.
“The first day of preseason I will explain what we will do next year.”
It was put to Mazzarri that the Europa League may be an obstacle for Inter’s progress next term.
“Before we take action in the market and look at the squad, we will look at the experience I had in the Europa League with Napoli, where I made certain choices and we progressed through the first round by developing some of the younger players.
“It is clear that thinking of winning on all fronts you need investments of a certain type. In organising the squad for next year will look at the ideas and experiences.
“Thohir wants an improved style of play? He is passionate, always wants to talk about these things.
“He has been enthusiastic at times, whilst when we have not played well he has said so. But this team has acquired a proactive mentality, just look at the possession.
“We have initiated a thought to being in the middle of the pitch and to playing a certain style of football.
“Sometimes we have gotten lost, we have experienced inconsistent performances, and we will see that it does not happen next year, but the balance is positive for this year. Then, we will start better next year.
“What’s next for Inter? You will see from the first day of preseason training, there will be reinforcements, I will work during the first week on a back four.
“Certainly I am interested in the logic of balance, I would also like a defender-defensive midfielder with an important role, because he can be used in a 3-5-2.
“I’d love [Bayern Munich’s] Luiz Gustavo, but he is unattainable…”