RHO - Esteban Cambiasso answered questions from journalists at this afternoon’s press conference, held at the BIT 2013 for the sponsor Iberostar.
Regarding the injury that Milito suffered in the seventh minute of last night’s match: how much of an impact will it have?
"Now we have to think about the games we have ahead of us. But that doesn’t erase what happened to our team-mate, and in my case, a friend and a brother. It’s something that hit us yesterday as well. It’s normal to feel bitter and sorry about it since it’s not a simple injury he suffered, but I’m relaxed and know he’s hungry to start again. There will also be more responsibility on our part, since we want to get our Champions League winner back to the competition again. He deserves it. We always try to do the maximum, and at a club like Inter you have many responsibilities."
Is Milito the one player that can’t be replaced, as Andrea Stramaccioni said?
"That’s the assessment from the coach, and it’s not for me to agree with it or contradict it either. He has his reasons behind his statements and for me it’s a difficult situation from a personal and human standpoint as well."
Now how is it possible to start again?
"Diego’s injury has caused a situation of regret and sadness that’s overshadowed last night’s result and the good performance of the team as a whole. We have to be content with what the group showed on the pitch. It’s difficult to separate your feelings from everything else."
As an "old-timer", how did you view Kovacic’s debut at the San Siro?
"I don’t like the quotation marks. I liked all the players, the team, and even the ones who took the most criticism. Mateo has potential, but let’s talk about reality and not just potential. He showed he could make an impact right away. I liked even the players you journalists complained about. We managed to keep a clean sheet despite all the criticism from journalists who complained about our defenders."
Are the real Inter on their way back?
"We need consistency. It’s not possible to talk about the real Inter. We have to fight to achieve the goals we set at the beginning, and we need to maintain consistency and put up performances like this one."
Are your thoughts now on the derby?
"There are still two more games before that one. The derby is far away. The fans can feel it closer since it’s the next home game. We’re thinking of each challenge. Balotelli? I don’t speak about our individual players, let alone those from other teams."
What did you think when you read the message of solidarity for Diego Milito from AC Milan?
"AC Milan, but also from Roma. They’re our opponents but they still have respect for the sport, which is how it should be. It’s a sport, so you have to respect your opponents."
Now you could be looking at having your wages spread over a longer period of time in your contract. Will this turn into another Sneijder case?
"My thoughts are on playing. The president knows that my contract can be worked out in 30 seconds the way he wants it. They call me and I’ll sign what they want, just as it’s always been. I’ve spoken with Moratti and this won’t turn into a big drama, even if people want to make it out as such. Things could never finish badly between Inter and me. Therefore we’ll go over all the times and other terms. I’ll never have problems with Inter."
