Walter Mazzarri was irritable in his Press conference, respectful of Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”2″>Fiorentina and confessed the 4-1 to Cagliari” data-scaytid=”3″>Cagliari was “a punch in the face.”
The Nerazzurri visit Florence on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Walter Mazzarri was irritable in his Press conference, respectful of Fiorentina and confessed the 4-1 to Cagliari was “a punch in the face.”
The Nerazzurri visit Florence on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We put the pressure on ourselves when we got that hammering against Cagliari,” said Mazzarri in his Press conference.
“We always analyse the games, but it is easier for a Coach to work with the team after a victory, as the confidence is higher.”
There were also eyebrows raised during the 2-0 Europa League win over Qarabag, as many players suffered from cramp.
“The energy is not just used up when there is pure muscular activity like running and changing direction, but many times can also be burned up by the brain. That shows how much our players care, as we want to break down every barrier, eat up our opponents and feel too much tension.
“I always tell my players that football is about attention, not tension. Many of them are adapting to playing at the level of Inter, so that takes time to get used to.
“We played much of the game against Cagliari with 10 men, yet nobody had cramp. We played below par with a slow tempo and I hope it will remain an isolated blip in our season.
“How did that defeat happen? There are many factors in football and they have to come together to create a result like that.
“When I am on the touchline, I have the right and duty to say anything I can to fire up the players and keep them focused. After the final whistle I explained what I meant by that and at times I describe it as an electric shock therapy.
“I’ve invented far more outlandish phrases than that. Unfortunately, we are spied on by cameras now and I should put my hand in front of my mouth.”
Mazzarri was asked about reports there is an irreparable ‘fracture’ between him and the Inter fans after he was jeered at San Siro on Thursday.
“I have already discussed this. I will not answer that question. I have always been an irritating Coach to you journalists because I don’t come here with a fake smile. When I hear fair criticism, I treasure it, but when I hear senseless prejudice then I react to obvious injustice.
“I already know in advance what’s going to be written, so I do not care. Unfortunately, some critics influence the people in the stadium and make them see things that aren’t there. I do my work, you do yours.
“After a 4-1 home defeat, you can only apologise to the fans. After that, it is perhaps good to note in the criticism that we were down to 10 men for over an hour. People forget that.
“Having said that, we played well against Atalanta and had belief, so a 4-1 home defeat to a side like Cagliari is a punch in the face, there’s no denying it. Some players react by getting fired up, others by feeling the tension and getting scared.
“I have to thank the curva, who on Thursday supported us from the first to the last minute, being our 13th man on the pitch. They were wonderful.
“After a year, I finally feel that I am in control of the situation and that is why I went to thank the curva at that moment, because they behaved in exemplary fashion and I’d always like to see that.”
The ultras were supportive on Thursday, but the rest of the crowd jeered even after the final whistle of that 2-0 win over Azerbaijani champions Qarabag.
“I’d also like to point out Qarabag drew with Saint-Etienne, having deserved victory with eight clear scoring opportunities. That’s Saint-Etienne, who are third in Ligue 1, which means Qarabag are a fine team who can trouble anybody. That’s why I told my players they did a great job winning that game.”
The Coach was also irritated by a question on whether Inter are more of a team or a group of individuals.
“If you have quality players, you need to leave them a certain freedom to create. If anyone knows anything about my teams, it is that I organise them in maniacal fashion.”
Fiorentina are a tough opponent and Mazzarri admires Vincenzo Montella’s approach.
“It’s a very difficult game, as Fiorentina don’t give references, play very good football, play the ball to feet with everyone moving off the ball. You never know who is being the striker, who is on the wing, and they keep changing positions.
“Fiorentina have done great things for years and are confirming them despite having some very important players out of action.
“I always tell my lads to focus on ourselves and what we need to do, not so much on our opponents. If the other side works harder and better to beat us, then we have to acknowledge that and work on it.
“I see a united club, from top to bottom, to ensure we can become competitive as soon as possible based on the current economic parameters. Unfortunately, it was a heavy result against Cagliari, but can also give you strength and motivation.
“We realised from the start that we needed to create an us against the world mentality and I hope the players acknowledge that. Is it like Jose Mourinho? Let’s not make comparisons, he won everything!
“Results can be decided by many factors, but what I want to see is the performance of a team that fights to the end for victory. I spend all night thinking up the perfect phrase to motivate my players.”