‘No Champions League, no problem’

Inter President Erick Thohir insists that even if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League it’s ‘no problem’.

Roberto Mancini’s men lost at home to Torino on Sunday, leaving the Nerazzurri eight points off third place, which will rise to 10 if Napoli beat Genoa tonight.

“Let’s remember that Inter are still the 10th strongest brand in the world,” Thohir told Goal Indonesia.

Inter President Erick Thohir insists that even if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League it’s ‘no problem’.

Roberto Mancini’s men lost at home to Torino on Sunday, leaving the Nerazzurri eight points off third place, which will rise to 10 if Napoli beat Genoa tonight.

“Let’s remember that Inter are still the 10th strongest brand in the world,” Thohir told Goal Indonesia.

“Our revenues are still at the same level. In the event of non-participation in the Champions League, our revenues would still be around €180-€200m, if we qualify for the Champions League that would increase by around €30m.

“In essence, for Inter it’s a case of no Champions League, no problem.

“Even failure to qualify for the Europa League would not be a problem. [But] obviously since we are one of the 10 biggest footballing brands, with a well-established fan base we have to think big.

“To finish ninth or 10th is not Inter, the objectives must be the Champions League or the Europa League.

“There are not shortcuts to building a strong team, you need a long-term project. When we sign players we first ask whether they can improve the team.”

Thohir also spoke about the Beneamata’s objectives in the Europa League, insisting the club want to make the final.

“To become the best, we must always aim to do the best we can.

“The Europa League is definitely a very tough competition, and we want to get as far as possible, starting with the Last 32 against Celtic, and maybe get to the final.

“We always want to do the best, I don’t know where we’ll end up, but one thing is certain, we always feel the need to aim for the top.”