Luciano Spalletti has warned Mauro Icardi that things ‘can’t be resolved with messages and likes’ but ‘100 percent’ expects the Inter striker to return.
Spalletti was speaking at a Press conference for the second leg of Inter’s Europa League last-32 tie with Rapid Vienna, which the Nerazzurri lead 1-0 on aggregate.
“Rapid showed they had quality in the second half,” began the Coach.
“When we managed to channel the game into a more advantageous direction, it perhaps let them play more freely.
Luciano Spalletti has warned Mauro Icardi that things ‘can’t be resolved with messages and likes’ but ‘100 percent’ expects the Inter striker to return.
Spalletti was speaking at a Press conference for the second leg of Inter’s Europa League last-32 tie with Rapid Vienna, which the Nerazzurri lead 1-0 on aggregate.
“Rapid showed they had quality in the second half,” began the Coach.
“When we managed to channel the game into a more advantageous direction, it perhaps let them play more freely.
“The result says they don’t have to carry tactics or reasoning on to the field but that they must play the game, so we’ll have to be wary of that.
“They won in Moscow and I know it’s not easy to get out of San Siro unscathed, so we still have to fight for progression.
“Lautaro and Icardi are very similar, in that they’re two centre-forwards. Like all good players they can coexist.
“When you reach a certain point of quality, you can live alongside other players. One is better in the penalty area, the other finds it easier outside of it.
“Our players want to try and always do something better. As a Coach it’s great to work with players who have a strong mentality.
“Are we favourites? Our run of games will determine whether we’ve lived up to what our club, fans, history and shirt demand.
“The team have paid attention to the details that make the difference and we’ve picked up two important wins in the League to hold on to third place.
“Reaching the last 16 would highlight the good work they’ve done. Getting more from those who played less is an added value.
“Keita’s a key absence. We hoped we’d have him ready for tomorrow, but it won’t be like that.”
The focus then inevitably turned to Icardi…
“There were tests today and, based on the results of those tests, we’ll see what our medics’ programme is for him to become available again,” explained Spalletti.
“These situations aren’t resolved with messages and likes. They’re resolved with words and being together. There must be real contact.
“It’s easier when you do things the old way. We say things that seem right and we do things that seem right. That’s better understood by the players.
“I try to send messages that reach everyone. We’re a team who know how to process things.
“We must answer to our fans, to Inter. Sometimes we take uncomfortable positions that make sense to us.
“We have to play tomorrow and I have the players I have available. If you look at it from a logical point of view, I’d say there’s a 100 percent chance [of Icardi coming back as a starter].”