Walter Mazzarri has insisted that Inter’s defeat to Milan last weekend was ‘a bump in the road’ as they prepare to face Lazio tomorrow.
Walter Mazzarri has insisted that Inter’s defeat to Milan last weekend was ‘a bump in the road’ as they prepare to face Lazio tomorrow.
The Nerazzurri lost to their bitter city rivals 1-0 last Sunday, but they could go to within one point of fourth-places Fiorentina with a win against the Biancocelesti this Saturday.
“After the defeat we've worked to go out there and put in a completely different performance to the one we showed against Milan, when we weren't able to demonstrate what we wanted nor what we're capable of doing,” he told a Press conference.
“Now we want to bounce back and show the derby was just a bump in the road, something I'm in charge of.
“Now my first aim is to best motivate the team to play a great match against Lazio. I feel safe in the knowledge that I've always given everything for the cause.
“We'll then see where we are come the end of the season. The fans' reaction? Fans are very emotional, they have every right to be, they live in the emotion of the moment, but I enjoy being the lightning rod, it's part of a Coach's job.
“Besides, the club knows what goes on, what's happened, the work the coach puts in and how it goes beyond a specific moment in time.”
The tactician then commented on what will be Javier Zanetti’s last match at San Siro, claiming that his players should concentrate on the task at hand.
“I hope that the ground is full tomorrow, the atmosphere is positive and there's great motivation for the match to give us the enthusiasm and drive we need to get over this hurdle in front of us.
“Will Zanetti play? You'll see who I pick tomorrow. I speak to him on a daily basis, he knows that my choices are always logical and done based on beating the opposition.
“Either way, Zanetti is an Inter legend, it's weird to think we'll no longer see him out there playing or training, he's emblematic of this club.
“It's emotional when such an important footballer retires, not just for the fans either.”