Andrea Ranocchia admits Inter players were “stunned” when Roberto Mancini replaced Walter Mazzarri.
The defender was away on international duty during the management revolution, so returned a few days before the Milan Derby to find a new Coach in place.
Andrea Ranocchia admits Inter players were “stunned” when Roberto Mancini replaced Walter Mazzarri.
The defender was away on international duty during the management revolution, so returned a few days before the Milan Derby to find a new Coach in place.
“We were rather stunned because something like that can be expected in the first few days, but it all happened at the end of the week,” Ranocchia told Il Messaggero newspaper.
“These are choices made by the club and we players just have to stick to the facts. When things go wrong, the Coach tends to pay, but there are always many reasons.
“Lately with Mazzarri there were many injuries, for example, so the same players always had to take to the field.
“Things can be different with Mancini, because he has immediately given us a new bout of enthusiasm.”
The new Coach will also change the system from Mazzarri’s 3-5-2 to four at the back.
“It’s just a number,” assured Ranocchia. “There are teams who win with three or four. In recent years we played with three and I got along well in that system.”
The Italy international had already been admired by Mancini when the Coach was in charge of Galatasaray last season.
“It’s true, he wanted me at Galatasaray, but it’s better that we met here. I thought third place wasn’t that far away even before, so with the new Coach we have a breath of fresh air and it all seems closer, but there’s still a long way to go.
“We are in November and anything can still happen. We have started a new era and can surpass the teams ahead of us.”
The Derby della Madonnina is on Sunday and Ranocchia will face it as Inter captain.
“I’ve played a few derbies in my time, so I know the day before you feel it’s different. This is a battle and you mustn’t let your legs tremble. I hope our change of management worried Milan, though they have rediscovered El Shaarawy and Torres has quality.”
Ranocchia is fresh from international duty with Antonio Conte’s Italy.
“The Coach has a mentality based on hard work, strain and giving it your all. I approve of that philosophy.”