Inter President Steven Zhang congratulates Milan on winning the Serie A title and reveals the targets for next season: ‘We want to improve and be sustainable at every level.’
The Nerazzurri chairman met Inter boss Simone Inzaghi today and according to reports in Italy, he informed the boss about the club’s plan to sell one more top player to balance the books.
During an interview with Inter TV, Zhang praised the Italian tactician for winning two trophies this season, although he wasn’t able to retain the Serie A title.
“It’s been an amazing season. We’ve added two trophies to our collection and advanced in the Champions League, getting through to the Round of 16 after so long,” Zhang said.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t win the Scudetto, but we saw that we were able to fight to the end. Congratulations to Milan and to all our competitors in the league. We’re really happy to see our fans celebrate. Overall, it’s been a historic year which we’ll all remember.”
How was the meeting with the coach?
“The season has just finished but we don’t stop working. We’re already thinking about the next one. As a football club, our main objective is to stay competitive and fight for the biggest trophies, always looking ahead and aiming for the top. Our meeting today allowed us to plan for next season and to try to improve on last year.”
Zhang continued, saying that this season’s results show the club is moving in the right direction.
“We started six years ago. Finally, last year we won the Scudetto and this year we’ve added two trophies to our collection. It shows we’re headed in the right direction,” he said.
“In the past few years, we’ve managed to increase our points tally and it’s been especially impressive over the last three years. It shows that the players and staff in Appiano are moving in the right direction. I also want to thank all the employees who work in the offices. It’s a team effort. The work of our staff and the support of our fans have brought us these results over the last six years. There have been ups and downs, but we believe we’re on the right path. Next season, we’re going to continue to bring that motivation and push forward.”
Inzaghi signed a two-year deal with the Serie A giants last summer and although the two parties didn’t discuss a possible contract extension today, they are expected to do so in the coming weeks as the Nerazzurri are determined to continue with the 46-year-old.
“I said to the coach a few months ago that working with him keeps me calm. It’s a pleasure working with someone like him in this industry,” said Zhang.
“He’s a very intelligent man. He’s a great coach, which you can see in the results on the pitch. He creates a calm atmosphere whether in the office or dressing room. We’ll move forward together. I can see his deep affinity with Inter. He has the support of the fans and all of us.”
What’s the best memory he has about the season that has just ended?
“Looking ahead to next season, we must be very competitive, even more so than before. The aim is always to improve. Getting results is the main aim of the club and everything else comes along with that. Moreover, as one of the biggest football clubs in the world, we must be sustainable at every level, including the employees, management and players. We’ll be looking at our cost and organisation structures, the company culture, marketing and commercial abilities, supporting our partners and sponsors, and bringing joy to our fans all over the world. The best moment has been seeing the fans return to the stadium and support the players. That was the most memorable part of the season and we hope it will continue next year.”
🎙️ "A unique team, united with fans in our desire to win more trophies." President Steven Zhang reflects and looks ahead to the future ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/sr8qED5V9w
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 24, 2022
Next season, it’s gonna be inter and Juve for sure. Napoli and Milan are gonna be third wheelers.
@Lucas – THAT’s what you got out of this?! LOL!!!
Wait and see Milan‘s second star 😉
Leao, Theo, Tomori, Tonali, Bennacer, Calabria, al grew with the victory. Kjaer joins Tomori and we already have Kalulu at a much higher level than when Kjaer was injured. Botman joining? Sure, that’s a top signing.
Right wing, central forward and trequartista as well as central midfield behind Tonali/Bennacer ought to see some new faces as well, but Milan are already stronger than the Milan that started last season.
Let’s see what happens, with Pobega while Botman, Sanchez, Berardi, Scamacca and others are on the runor mill.
How Zhang thinks he can balamlnce the books, sell one of their top 3-4 and be more competitive… They were favorites on paper when they started…
Thos is what differ Milan and Inter since last year. both lost 2 key players, but Milan as a team grew more wholesome. That’s what made us champions
The president of the back, back, down, down club will hope to sign PhD Max next season to even reach the top 4. Pathetic loser.
Young Milan team, 1 year older and stronger. Plus Adli, Pobega and hopefully at least Scamacca.
Meanwhile, Inter may well lose Bastoni and Barella. Mmmmhmmm.