APPIANO GENTILE – Inter's three latest signings, Rolando, Wallace and Taider, were unveiled to the media at a news conference held in Appiano Gentile this afternoon. This is what Rolando Jorge Pires da Fonseca had to say.
The first question put to him was about his relationship with Walter Mazzarri. "I know him and I expect he'll do a great job. I'm so glad he wanted to bring me here and if he did that it's because he has faith in me. At Napoli he only picked me when I was ready fitness-wise. I'm confident in my own ability and I'm here because I want to play. I'll wait until I get my chance and then make the most of it. I'm going to put in the work and make a good stab of my time here because Inter are a great club and we want to be successful."
The defender was then asked about the Nerazzurri's Scudetto chances. "It's a long season. Inter have won a lot over the last ten years but we're just getting on with our jobs and then we'll see what happens. It was tough last season but there's a new coach now who insists on doing things properly and working hard. We'll see where it takes us.
"Has the team already learnt something from Mazzarri's methods? He's a coach with lots of experience and he hasn't altered the way he works. He believes in working hard and training hard. The team have been working with him for 40 or 50 days now and they've already learnt from him but it takes time to carry out everything the way he wants."
So should other sides fear Inter now? "There's no such thing as fear in football but Inter are a big club and I think opposing teams should respect us. It's our responsibility to lead this club to success."
On his relationship with former Porto team-mates Pereira and Guarin: "We've been friends for ages. We spoke a few times before I knew Inter were interested in me and they always waxed lyrical about this club. Then when I found out Inter were keen on me I just asked for a hand with the basic things: everyone knows what Inter are about."
The Portuguese defender was then quizzed on potential transfers and Fernando, another of his former team-mates at Porto. He replied: "He's like a brother to me, I'm very close to him. I don't know if he'll join Inter though, it's up to the club and him."
What's Rolando's favourite position in a back three? "Mazzarri knows I'm
comfortable on the left, on the right and in the middle. It's the same to me."
Finally, he was asked whether being at the club on loan might influence his performance: "I think as far as we players are concerned, we just have to focus on playing. When you step onto the pitch that's the only thing on your mind. When you're out there, it makes no difference whether you're on loan or signed permanently. All that matters to me is that I'm where I wanted to be. All I'm thinking is that I've got a contract with Inter. It's the club's directors who will decide my future... I can only give it my best shot.
"You can't really talk about the future in football. I decided to come here because I like this team and they wanted me. Obviously I'd love to go to the World Cup and if I do a good job here then hopefully I'll get the call-up."
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CONFERENZA STAMPA ROLANDO, TAIDER E WALLACE 29/08/2013
