APPIANO GENTILE - It's the day before #MilanInter and Roberto Mancini met with the press to share his thoughts and feelings ahead of his second debut in the Nerazzurri dugout.
He began: "I have a good feeling about tomorrow. The derby is a huge game and I feel the same way I usually feel before a match like this. We've been working well and we'll make sure we put on our best display tomorrow."
Speaking from the press room at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti, the coach went on: "I inherited a team in good shape. We've trained well but you can't expect to do all that much in just four days. I need a bit more time to get to know everyone properly, a few games to get a better grasp of things.
"It's never easy when there's a change of coach mid-season but the derby is a match that can always go either way. There'll be lots of talented players on show and it will be a great spectacle for everyone. If enthusiasm is lacking there's no fun and it's hard."
Mancini then commented on the man in the home dugout tomorrow: "Pippo has a fantastic track record as a player. He's just starting out in coaching and I hope he goes on to have a good career."
The derby is always a special occasion: "It sure is and it's going to be exciting tomorrow as well. I'm not used to battling for third place but we mustn't look at the table. We can do that in a few months' time; for now let's just concentrate on getting as many points on the board as possible.
"I bring added value? I hope that's the case. We all have to put in 100%, the players and everyone else."
Which derby does Mancini have the fondest memories of? "They're all wonderful occasions, full of passion. I remember when we won 4-3 but all the others as well. The Milan derby has always been a decisive match in the battle for the top spots."
He then spoke briefly about tactics ("It doesn't change much whether you play with three, four or five at the back, it depends on your mentality") before fielding questions on individuals.
"I think Guarin is a fantastic midfielder. A midfielder has to be able to attack and defend, do a bit of everything. He'll be an important player for us.
“Kovacic is a tremendously talented kid. He's still young and we can't expect him never to make any mistakes. He'll need time to realise his full potential. Playing in that position means he needs to weigh in with goals too and that's something he's capable of doing. We mustn't heap too much pressure on him though.
"I didn't see Medel until yesterday because he's only just come back.
"Hernanes isn't in great shape and we'll make a decision on him tomorrow morning."
The coach was also asked about his meeting with president Thohir: "We spoke about all manner of things and I had a very good impression but we'll get to know each other better. He's clearly very passionate about football."
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LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA MANCINI PRIMA DI MILAN-INTER 22.11.2014 H 14:00 CET
