José Mourinho once said: “We all want to play great music all the time, but if that is not possible, you must hit as many right notes as possible.”
When you win in life, your immediate euphoria and endorphins dissipate quickly, and when that feeling goes, there is a very profound inner urge to repeat it immediately. However, sometimes, one needs to assess the situation, debrief, decompress, understand, and realise where that success came from. Then, after this, try to build again calmly. This, however, is not in the mindset of many people in modern society who want success to be followed by massive statements. Welcome to Inter in 2024.
When building immense foundations, you won’t create a spire on a detached house just because the design looks good. Inter, under Massimo Moratti, often gave us the most beautiful Swiss chocolate houses with a napalm candle. These were moments of fireworks with no water and Maseratis with minimal petrol. There were diamonds in attack and marshmallows in defence. Many enjoyed these years, but they were unpredictable and unsustainable, especially in the early stages.
Inter have been very, very different in recent years, but fans’ surely can’t complain about the results. A new season is about to begin with Simone Inzaghi’s boys ready to travel to Marassi to race Genoa. The 2023-24 title-winning team hasn’t changed much. On the contrary, new signings have made the team even deeper, and the shift of power from Suning to Oaktree, which saw Beppe Marotta named, has provided continuity on and off the pitch. The defending champions brought in Josep Martinez in goal from Genoa to replace Emil Audero, an upgrade to a point. Then Medhi Taremi from FC Porto. The ‘Prince of Persia’ offers to be the new Edin Dzeko if he can stay fit. Finally, the most impressive move from ‘Beppe’ was the free signing from Napoli of Piotr Zelinski. It was a coup as the Poland star will make the Nerazzurri midfield look unbreakable.
Inzaghi confirms two Inter players out against Genoa, but is delighted with Lautaro’s ‘signal’
One could say that social media’s elaborately extreme way of reporting reactionary and needy way of deciphering transfer windows would treat this as a failure. However, go back to the beginning. It’s possible to do this in two ways. Number one, concentrate on Inter. The squad is reinforced, contract extensions are done, and Lautaro is the final decoration on a beautiful Milanese desert.
When one looks at the rest of Serie A, there is even more reason for Inter fans not to break out into ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman. Milan and Juventus are in a huge transition, and whilst it is not incomprehensible that they won’t click into gear immediately, they’ll both have to adapt to new playing styles and ideas. Of course, beware of Napoli and Antonio Conte’s return. Are they really going to be title contenders? Maybe, but it’s unsure. Atalanta will be up there as well. Mateo Retegui was a super signing, but it only came because Gianluca Scamacca had a terrible injury. Roma have issues with Paulo Dybala and Lazio are weakened with Ciro Immobile going. On paper, Inter should be champions again, and they have serious momentum with a very strong squad in all positions.
Inter will not have a new song next season; however, they will make sure they hit the right notes. This isn’t a new tour or an album; this is a new group. Is it functional, and will it get results? Probably. Simone Inzaghi employs the Kaizen theory, continually improving operations and involving all employees. Is it gradual and methodical? Yes. Is it fun? We’ll know at the end of the season, but Inter start from a strong position.
@RichHall80