Andrea Stramaccioni insists Inter are still in the race for third despite a home defeat to Bologna. “It would be an unforgivable error to throw in the towel now.”
Andrea Stramaccioni insists Inter are still in the race for third despite a home defeat to Bologna. “It would be an unforgivable error to throw in the towel now.”
The Nerazzurri rounded off a disastrous week, as after a 3-0 Europa League loss to Tottenham they were beaten 1-0 at San Siro.
“There are still 10 rounds to go, we are at the moment unable to do what we want to, especially in the first half,” confessed the Coach.
“We came out for the second half fortunate not to be behind. Paradoxically we did better after the break and that was when Bologna scored. It was a heavy blow.
“We reacted and went close to an equaliser, but the result is what counts. It is not a positive time for us, but I see other teams who have had problems. It is a very balanced League and apart from Juventus” data-scaytid=”27″>Juventus every team can cause each other problems.
“We lost Ricky Alvarez to injury, but other than him it was the same side that did so well at Catania, scoring three goals. In the first half we didn’t achieve anything that we were trying to do.”
Marco Benassi had a disappointing performance in the opening 45 minutes and made way for Antonio Cassano.
“Benassi is only 18 and did what he could, but I have very few options for the left side of midfield and he also played that role for me with the Primavera. All of Inter was AWOL in the first half, then we attacked more after the break knowing we would run a few risks.
“I make mistakes, just as everyone does. I thank the President for his faith in me, but I’d like to thank him with results. This is a difficult moment and it’s important for us to get back some of our players. I see many sides tripping up and I think the Champions League spots are still within reach.
“We have lost an opportunity tonight, but there are 10 games to go and we should reserve judgment to the end of the season. It would be an unforgivable error to throw in the towel now.
“Of course we are angry and sad at the situation and at ourselves, but there is time to make up for it.”
Next Thursday Inter welcome Spurs in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 and their hopes are hanging by a thread after a 3-0 defeat.
“I had 12 players available against Tottenham, as five are cup-tied and others are injured. I will again have to make some difficult decisions. We want to honour the game, but my decisions will above all have to be based on fitness levels.”