Inter boss Luciano Spalletti confirms Mauro Icardi will not play against Olympique Lyonnais and reiterates Ivan Perisic “is an important player”.
Speaking at a Press conference for Monday’s International Champions Cup clash in Nanjing, Spalletti also discussed the far-from-ideal playing conditions, the “signs of progress” that the Nerazzurri were making and – of course – the transfer market.
Inter boss Luciano Spalletti confirms Mauro Icardi will not play against Olympique Lyonnais and reiterates Ivan Perisic “is an important player”.
Speaking at a Press conference for Monday’s International Champions Cup clash in Nanjing, Spalletti also discussed the far-from-ideal playing conditions, the “signs of progress” that the Nerazzurri were making and – of course – the transfer market.
“Icardi? No, he won’t be there, he can’t play yet, he’s still recovering from an injury,” explained the Coach.
“Climate? It’s not ideal to play at this high temperature. We want to play quick football, and it’s not easy to do that at this temperature.
“I’ve seen signs of progress and we have some positive ideas, but we must continue. This progress must be confirmed.
“Talks with Sabatini and Ausilio? We’ll do this tonight after training, when we’ll all be together.
“What do I think of other teams’ signings [referring to Bonucci]? We’re talking about teams that are already quite important, so they can also afford a certain kind of player.
“It’s not the first time this has happened, I’m thinking Pogba. At the same time, [Juventus] have received so much money, although it won’t be easy to replace someone like Bonucci, a player with so much character.
“Kondogbia? We’ll change something. Geoffrey has an ankle knock, but he’ll be available.
“Murillo will play, as will Borja Valero. I’ll have to evaluate something in midfield, using everyone’s physical condition as a basis.
“I’m thinking the same about Kondo: He seems to have recovered, but I must also hear the doctors’ opinion.
“Clearly, playing so much in just a few days and with just 3-4 workouts isn’t easy.
“We studied an hour of video footage from the game against Schalke, and tomorrow we’ll try to do something in that regard. It’s important for me to talk regularly with the team
“Perisic? From my point of view, it’s very simple: Ivan’s an important player for me, after that you have to ask him how he’s dealing with the interest from Manchester United.
“I’d say it’s positive, meaning the player is strong, but at the same time, there are directors with whom he signed a contract that he must respect.
“After that, if Inter were to accept a certain kind of offer, we’d get an equally important player to replace him. Still, for now things are going well.”