Nemanja Vidic has reflected on how ‘everything is new’ to him at Inter, early impressions at the club and facing Manchester United.
The Serbian is preparing for the new season with the Nerazzurri this summer, after ending his association with Manchester United at the expiry of his contract in June.
Nemanja Vidic has reflected on how ‘everything is new’ to him at Inter, early impressions at the club and facing Manchester United.
The Serbian is preparing for the new season with the Nerazzurri this summer, after ending his association with Manchester United at the expiry of his contract in June.
A month into his acclimatisation to the Italian way of working has the defender admitting not much is familiar.
“From the atmosphere with my teammates to the methods of work, from the language to the cooking, everything is new for me,” Vidic has told the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“But I have been welcomed and the presence of some Slavs in the squad is helping my adaptation.
“There’s greater attention to detail, to the tactics. Perhaps over there [in Manchester] there was more intensity, more exercises on speed. But you work hard anyway.
“Maybe later playing in a three-man defence will be easier, but I have to adapt and it takes a bit of time. The weekend against Real Madrid we did pretty well. Beside their goal, they did not have many chances.
“Although it was not the true Real Madrid, the result gave us confidence in our daily work. It is still too early to say where we will arrive. We need at least another two weeks.
“Are my best years behind me? This can only be known in the field. I am trying to prepare myself to the maximum, then we will judge.
“Am I able to play two games a week? Mazzarri will decide.”
Vidic was asked of his first impressions of his new Coach and what in particular has struck him about Walter Mazzarri.
“Everything and nothing. He is very determined, but at 32 nothing surprises you much.
“Every Coach has their ideas and it is fortunate for a player. Because this opens up our minds.
“And Erick Thohir? It was a brief meeting, but I really like his energy and the fact that he wants to gradually give a solid foundation to the project.”
Vidic will very quickly be reunited with his past, as Inter face Manchester United in the early hours of Wednesday morning as part of the International Champions Cup.
“Although it is a friendly and there won’t be too much pressure, it will feel strange to be playing against my past.
“I shall see again so many friends, some I have kept in contact with via text during the summer, but we have not spoken about this game.
“What did I learn in England? There I grew in every aspect. In the field it should be the players [that have the biggest influence], but the Coach is influential as are the club. After 25 years, Sir Alex Ferguson left a great void, which was difficult to fill immediately.
“How can Italian clubs close the gap to the English? By working hard. They have more means and care much about the youth sector.
“We must try to imitate them, although Italy has a different culture. But some things will begin to change.”
Vidic was asked if he had know Louis van Gaal would be at Manchester United if he would have decided to sign for Inter.
“It is useless to look to the past. I decided in one day and I am sure that I made the right choice.
“Did I lean on Dejan Stankovic for advice? Much. Deki has been at Inter since I had been at Manchester United and had only good memories.
“Now that I am here I can say that he was right.”
Inter have been linked with a move for Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez.
“Chicharito has done great things and scored decisive goals, especially under Ferguson. He is very strong, a classic prima punta with a nose for the net. But [sporting director Piero] Ausilio knows all to well what to do in the market.”