MAZZARRI: "PACT WITH THE SQUAD"

The coach's thoughts during a news conference: "I made a pact with the squad after the transfer window closed, a solid group is forming"

MILAN - Walter Mazzarri addressed the media in the press room at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where the Nerazzurri meet Di Francesco's Sassuolo tomorrow. The Nerazzurri coach spoke about his side's Serie A 2014/15 Week 2 match.

Lots of the players on international duty mentioned what you'd said them since the Torino game. What did you say to really motivate them?
"We made a sort of pact following the end of the transfer window. I stated beliefs that I've always held. A solid squad is taking shape, a side that gives its heart and soul out on the pitch. I can't tell you exactly what I said to the lads but they need to buy into it."

Is Guarin in contention for a starting place tomorrow?
"I've already said to him, 'Let's wipe the slate clean. You're a new player with unbelievable ability. You know what I want from you.' He seemed really up for it and excited about the new season. The rest of what we said will remain between us."

Your 3-5-2 system features a lot of quality out wide and in the middle of the park. Does that mean you can adopt a different approach?
"We saw from the World Cup that teams which take the game to their opponents have fewer problems. Ideally I'd like a team that's aggressive, consistent and has quality. I hope tomorrow we see the best from the players I put out there and that they function for the good of the team. I'd like to see a side that plays football and is positive. The players can all be successful if they're fit and buy into what we're doing."

There was a big turnout against Stjarnan, whereas last season the Meazza at times voiced its discontent. Will we see a better Inter side?
"There was a lot of enthusiasm and I hope to see a similar atmosphere tomorrow. I believe Inter fans provide unbelievable support and that can help the players."

Would a good performance tomorrow be an improvement on what we've seen so far?
"We played a lot of football at Torino but didn't get much reward. Football's never great to watch until you break the deadlock. Teams come here to the San Siro hoping not to concede. You need that bit of quality to make the difference and that's something we've lacked in the past. I hope that changes."

Are you surprised by the sudden rise of Zaza?
"He's a good kid and it always seemed likely he'd take off. It's hard to know when but talent comes to the fore sooner or later."

Wil Medel play tomorrow? You also coached Vargas, can you compare the two?
"Vargas came to Napoli very young and played well in the Europa League. He was very young and needed experience. Medel is an experienced player and his character can help the team. We wanted to sign him because we think he's important for the balance of the side. He came back with a little knock from international duty and I'll assess him later on. M'Vila has had a few issues but we'll wait for the last training session."

What sort of shape are the internationals in?
"They'll all eventually reach full fitness. Rodrigo hasn't played yet, he's not 100% but given that he's a consummate professional who always gives everything in training, I'll have a look at him later on. We'll see whether he starts or comes off the bench. Osvaldo's still struggling from a minor knock he picked up at Torino. The other lads are tired but I think they're fit now and are available for selection. Jonathan's out, he's not in the matchday squad because he's not fit but I have three wing-backs to pick from."

The last time you were at the Meazza there was a party for Zanetti and, despite securing European football, you endured a difficult night. What sort of reception are you expecting tomorrow?
"I'd take the result from our final home league game. I know why that went on. Our first competitive game of the season was great for everyone and it's above all the team who matter. I've got nothing more to add."

What surprised you about the season opener at Torino?
"I would like to see us move the ball a bit quicker. It wasn't an easy game but we gave nothing away. We just weren't able to take our chances. I didn't have any other options in that game. Osvaldo got injured and I only had one striker. That's the only regret I have. Two big strikers have since returned in time for tomorrow and I hope we can find the net."

It seems Palacio and Osvaldo are vying for one spot. Is it easier to pick someone who's not played since the World Cup final or a man who's featured in a few games but is not fully fit having joined up late?
"That's something I need to assess and have a think about. As you know, players who haven't featured in a while need to be brought back in gradually as they can't last 90 minutes. Osvaldo played in Iceland and 90 minutes at the San Siro. On paper he should be fitter than Palacio. I'll weigh things up today and you'll see tomorrow."

With Palacio and Osvaldo not fully fit are you tempted to start with Guarin?
"I don't think that's something I need to look at. I need to see how my players are physically and mentally. In my mind from a tactical perspective I need different types of players up top for this match. He's not trained well of late and he needs to play when he's 100%. It's OK for now, there's no rush."

You mentioned that Guarin has been given a fresh start. Does that mean he won't be sold in January?
"Things have been said. When the window closed I told the lads that we have the right number of players in the squad and that they will all have the chance to show me they deserve to be in the side. Everyone will have a chance, Guarin included. So we have an extra player."

Who decided not to sign Bonaventura?
"The club can talk about transfers. We've got Sassuolo tomorrow, Guarin is an important player and I won't talk about the rest."

We spoke at length about balance last season. Can you accommodate two strikers plus Hernanes and Kovacic in the same side?
"Some people say I'm not a very daring coach but if you look at our system and the players in it, we have a lot of attacking options and quality. I've been working on this formation since the end of last year so that our players can perform at both ends of the pitch. If it all comes together I think the fans will enjoy watching us."

Given that the team can bring the best out of certain players, is there a player you expect to come on this season?
"I'm reluctant to talk about individuals. I believe you can always improve, even at 33 or 34 years old. Obviously with so many young players in the squad there's significant room for improvement. Juan Jesus, Kovacic and Icardi are all young players who are performing well."


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LIVE! DIRETTA CONFERENZA STAMPA DI MAZZARRI PRIMA DI INTER-SASSUOLO 13.9.2014

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