APPIANO GENTILE – Among the many questions put to Ricky Alvarez on Inter Channel's InterNOS programme today, one was a request for him to provide some insight into what Walter Mazzarri has done to shake things up at Inter.
"I think we all have a clearer idea of what we're doing with Mazzarri," the midfielder began. "As a player you're at an advantage if you step onto the field knowing what you have to do, where your team-mates are and how to play as a unit. I think that's the most important thing the gaffer has done and we're starting to look like a team now. Being in good physical shape gives you confidence too. We're reaping the rewards for all our pre-season work."
One fan asked Ricky what his dreams are. He replied: "To keep growing as a player, achieve great things here at Inter and perhaps make the Argentina World Cup squad – that would be a dream. I've been involved in the last few games but if I'm not playing well for Inter I won't get the call."
He then commented on whether the fans are perhaps too impatient with young players: "I think when you're a fan it's all about passion. And you can't expect people who are passionate about the game to be patient because they want to see the team winning. We're used to that and we need to remain more level-headed – not think we're the best when things are going well or that we're the worst when they're going badly."
Asked how he can improve his own game, Alvarez said: "Lots of people tell me I should shoot more often. I think that's probably because I don't have a striker's mentality. But I do need to be more decisive, even when I see I'm blocked off by opponents, because you never know how it might go."
On the influx of top players in Serie A this season: "Yes, lots of big players have come here but I think Serie A has always been one of the best leagues in the world."
Nagaja Beccalossi and Roberto Monzani then fired off a rapid succession of questions for Ricky to answer.
What is passion?
"You need passion to feel alive. You can't enjoy something unless you're passionate about it."
You're always answering questions from journalists, but what would you ask a journalist yourself?
"If he can play football [grinning]."
Your weakness?
"I'm unorganised and I get angry easily but generally speaking I'm a calm guy."
Your strength?
"My family and God."
Can you cook?
"I've learnt to cook pasta and chicken breast - the bare minimum needed to survive."
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
"No, I just ask God to help me."
The best player in the world?
"Messi. He's proved it in the past and he keeps on proving it."
What do you think about when you wake up in the morning?
"That I'm lucky to do something I enjoy."
Inter?
"Inter have always stood by me, even through the tough times. It's like a family and I'll always be grateful."
How do you think the season will go?
"Well for us hopefully! For now we must concentrate on Sassuolo, then we'll just take each game as it comes."
Ricky rounded off his interview in style by revealing how he set out on the path to becoming a professional footballer: "The first time I went to play five-a-side it was because my mum needed to go and do the shopping. She was fed up of me running about all over the place every time she took me with her, so she left me at this pitch to play football instead. When I'm back home she likes to remind me that if I made it as a footballer it's all thanks to her..."
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INTERNOS PUNTATA 1 - RICKY ALVAREZ
