PINZOLO – Walter Mazzarri was this week's guest on Rai Due's La Domenica Sportiva programme. Speaking live from Pinzolo, the Nerazzurri coach chatted with the presenter and pundits in the studio about all things Inter.
First of all, he was asked to comment on the enthusiasm building up around the team and their new coach, one sign being the 10% increase in season ticket sales compared to this period last summer. What's his secret for winning over players and fans? Mazzarri explained: "Quite honestly I can't tell you what the secret is. All I can say is that the energy here is incredible. The stands are always full, it's amazing really. Especially considering – and there's no getting away from it – that last year didn't go so well for Inter. It makes me proud. The fans are confident that this year we can see a competitive team playing attacking football."
Massimo Moratti made an appearance in Pinzolo on Sunday but the coach wouldn't reveal what they said to each other. "That's between me and him. All I'll say is that there's a lot of mutual respect. I'm happy about everything at the club and the people I'm working with but we have to be able to transform it into positive energy on the pitch. We need to channel it all in the right direction."
The coach was then asked about his methods. "Regardless of what we might do, I think stamina is key in modern football. I always tell my players that if they've got the technical ability they must convert it into ball possession. You need to set the team up so they are balanced and capable of attacking but always by using their heads."
The topic switched to the transfer market with Mazzarri quizzed about the ongoing talks for Mauricio Isla. "I don't like to be repetitive but until a player puts pen to paper he doesn't belong to Inter and I won't talk about him. As a general rule I don't discuss the transfer market. I've shared my views with president Moratti, Marco Branca and Piero Ausilio, so they know what I think. If anyone is going to talk to you about it then it will be them. Are Inter looking to add some players? In my last press conference I said that in terms of numbers we could do with someone else out wide."
Who is shaping up best at the moment between Icardi and Belfodil? "Apart from the fact that Milito is making a speedy recovery, you all know that Belfodil is observing Ramadan so has to take things a bit easier, and that's why Icardi is a bit further ahead at the moment. When it comes to signing new players, you have to find the individual you think will improve your team. Then if you're talking about the number of players in the squad, that's a different matter. You have to remember that Inter will only be involved in the league and Coppa Italia this year and I think the squad is already well equipped for that. If opportunities arise then we might do something but the team is competitive as it is. Could Nocerino sign for Inter? I don't want to be rude but if you keep asking me about players who don't belong to Inter then I'm not going to answer. If you ask me questions about things the coach is responsible for, I'll be happy to reply. Otherwise I'll just stick the record on again and you'll keep hearing the same tune."
What about Inter's rivals? Juventus have brought in a number of reinforcements. "They were already strong, very strong," Mazzarri observed, "and now they've strengthened further. They're even more complete. They had a fantastic season last time out. They did well in the Champions League up to a certain point and they'll be able to hold their own next year too. Conte has praised other coaches but not me? That's of no interest to me; I don't have to answer to anyone. Tevez and Llorente? Two great players who bolster an already excellent squad."
On Napoli, Mazzarri's former side who gave the Bianconeri a run for their money in last year's title race: "They came second after four years of growth and I think they can only improve. As a club they're in good shape and there's every chance of them succeeding. But Napoli is the past for me; I want to talk about Inter now."
The coach then had this to say about Mateo Kovacic: "I have great belief in the boy. He's very young and he's got plenty of room for improvement. He always listens and is very determined. Unfortunately he felt some pain during a shooting drill today [on Sunday] but I don't think it's serious. Guarin and Kovacic playing together? If you've watched us in training, you'll know that I've already tried them out alongside each other, one on the right and one on the left. If they're given the right instructions they can be superb for us when we're in possession. Guarin in particular needs to increase his output in both sides of the game. Kovacic the new Hamsik? Marek is a top player who works hard both in defence and attack. Mateo has similar potential and I hope that if we can make the right adjustments – for example when attacking and getting shots in on goal – he can become very similar to Marek."
On Cristian Chivu's fitness and his future: "He's a world-class player who's had some injury problems in the past. So far he's shown me he's really up for it and he's always the first out on the pitch. We'll have to see if he can perform consistently over the course of a long league campaign like Serie A. But if what I've seen so far continues I think I'll be able to count on him for the whole season."
On the subject of defenders, Andrea Ranocchia was also mentioned: "He turned down Napoli? To me he looks determined and eager to train with Inter. He's a player I like and I'll be very happy if he stays here."
What about tactics? What system are the new Inter going to play? "We'll spend the first week working on 3-5-2 but then I'll change formation - and the players know that - because Serie A is full of clever coaches who figure you out. Over time I'll try to get my players comfortable playing at least two more formations."
Another topic brought up was the Milan derby, which will see two Tuscan coaches sitting in opposite dugouts next year. However, Mazzarri explained that the "Derby della Madonnina" is far from his thoughts at the moment: "I'm used to taking things one day at a time. I'm focused on what we're going to do in training tomorrow. I never think too far ahead. Inter v Milan will be a 'Livorno derby' this year? Allegri is from Livorno, San Vincenzo is only the province of Livorno. Let's get that one clear..." he grinned.
Finally, Mazzarri was asked how he manages to keep his players' enthusiasm levels high despite the five hours a day of training they're doing at the moment. "I think it's maybe even more than that... but I believe if a coach is to be successful he must convince his players that what you're asking them to do is for their own benefit, because at this level they're professionals who want to prove themselves and they know that hard work can bring results."
