APPIANO GENTILE - "After a day like yesterday, just like on previous occasions, you want to work hard and get back out onto the pitch. We can't hide our frustration about the match, but we mustn't think about that too much, we need to identify where we can improve and do so. The most frustrating thing is not being able to play again a couple of days later." Team manager Ivan Ramiro Cordoba spoke to Andrea Paventi of Sky Sport 24 as he analysed yesterday's defeat in Udine.
"I believe a team always goes through tough times, even ours which has a project the president has clearly defined, one that everyone buys into," explained Cordoba when asked where Inter can improve. "We won trophies for years, we knew there were things that we could do better and, as I've said, we knew it before yesterday's loss. We need more constructive criticism, you can only improve through hard graft."
Third place is still the aim but that's not all: "A team like Inter, which is still in the Coppa Italia and is one of the best teams in the Europa League must always aim high. Our results need to be in line with our initial targets."
The team manager then explained how coach Andrea Stramaccioni reacted to Sunday's reverse. "He will never lose his convictions, he wants to improve. He's new to Serie A but I believe he's shown he's up to the task. He prepares for every game, regardless of the opponents, as if it were the most important match of his life and I think that's right. The players must have the same approach: they all need to believe the next game is the most important."
"In the dressing room they know we need to progress but, as I've said, we knew that before. They need to listen to the most experienced members of the group but the young players too, because they're also an important part of the squad. We all need to listen to one another and listen to other people's points of view. The coach listens to everyone and then he makes the decisions and works based on what everyone thinks."
After the defeat to Udinese, Inter might feel the need to go into the transfer market. Cordoba also addressed this issue: "When a big player like Tommaso Rocchi comes in, we're happy because he's an extra body. I'm not in a position however to talk about the transfer window. We will give a very warm welcome to any new faces that might come in, otherwise it'll be up to this group of players to fight to achieve our targets."
Finally a word on his countryman Fredy Guarin: "He was ready for a big club like Inter and he's proving that because he wants to become an important figure. He shows desire in everything he does and he loves Inter, just like his team-mates."
