APPIANO GENTILE - "We can’t allow what happened to us in the last two
games to happen again." Andrea Stramaccioni did not hesitate to stress
this more than once during today’s press conference. And regarding Inter v
Cagliari and president Massimo Moratti’s words after the match, he stated:
"I think one of the loveliest things I see at Inter is how we’re all truly
united. The president, directors, coach, team, fans; it’s all a close-knit
group. Our thoughts are reflected in the president’s words. How is he feeling
now? I heard from him today and he was very relaxed."
The Nerazzurri coach then went into detail when he was asked about the form of
Alvaro Pereira: "I’m happy with him. I can’t remember seeing a player
arrive in a new situation and immediately playing so well. In my opinion we
singled out the best prospect on the market. He’s very important. I’m happy
with Pereira and I’d take him again. Nagatomo? I decided not to take him to
Kazan because he was one of the players who had done the most travelling for
his national team and other things. He’s one of the players who has improved
the most since I’ve been here and he can still become even better. And he’s
also learned the Bari dialect perfectly… I think he’s also become a better man
for that! [smiling] We’re holding on tight to him. The individual work that
he’s doing with Beppe Baresi is also important. A good example of this is that
last cross from the left. If he also becomes good with his left then he’ll be
even more dangerous. He’s humble and he works hard."
Finally, the Inter coach was asked what he thinks about the increasing number of young coaches on the bench, as well as of the rise in the number of young players. Is this the right recipe? "I don’t know if it’s the right recipe for everyone, but it’s part of the project we started on 1 July: promoting our youth sector. In fact, one analysis we made with the president was that of getting the most out of our academy. I believe it’s a bit like that now all over Europe."
