APPIANO GENTILE – "It’ll be a tough match, because Napoli are a strong team in great form. Having said that, it’s a cup tie and we can do it," began Roberto Mancini, as he held a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Napoli.
"For us, all matches are important. Anything can happen tomorrow – the gap between us and Napoli in the league is irrelevant. We hold the Coppa in high regard and want to perform well," he continued.
Looking back to Inter’s frustrating loss at Sassuolo on Sunday, Mancini stated: "I’m disappointed with the result. I’d like to win every single game but I can’t beat myself up about it. The lads need to have a big-club mentality and that’s what they’re doing, but what’s clear to all is that we’re making too many mistakes at the minute.
"The players are giving their all on the pitch and need to keep that up. Even on Sunday, we showed a reaction and were unlucky on more than one occasion, but we just need to avoid committing too many errors. We’re all disappointed with the way it’s gone for us in recent matches and I can understand the fans’ bitterness.
"Icardi made a mistake, because we need to accept criticism. I told him he shouldn’t have gone to the stands, because it was only to be expected that the fans would be angry. Having said that, the Inter fans have always stuck with the team and I’m sure they’ll continue to do so.
"I never want to lose – not even in training. I always knew there would be some difficulties in terms of changing the playing system and mentality after two years, but I’m happy with how the squad is doing. We need to arrest this trend, score more goals and try not to concede," explained Mancini.
There was also a word about his relationship with the club directors: "The club helps me. We work together and I have absolutely no problem at all with anyone. Thohir has done everything he can to help us. Now that the transfer window has closed, we need to build on the positive elements we have. I understand that it’s difficult but the lads are giving their all."
With tomorrow night’s clash at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples fast approaching, the Inter manager also spoke about the prospect of squad rotation: "We’re playing every three days so inevitably we need to make some changes to bring in fresh legs. If we play with four forwards, we all still need to pitch in. Our objective is to create a winning mentality and play to a high level. There may be some changes, but our attitude must not change.
"Is our transfer business over? Absolutely. I don’t think there are any free agents out there who can really add something to the squad or give us a hand. In terms of the Europa League squad list, I’ve already made my decisions but I’d like to let my players know first of all.
"Could Brozovic start tomorrow? It’s a possibility. Kovacic? I expect a lot from him. He’s a very talented player so he can be decisive for us. It’s only normal that players have difficult moments when we’re in the spell we are.
"Hernanes hasn’t played in the last two games, but he’s a useful player of our squad. Nagatomo is fine, but Santon needs some training time to get 90 minutes in his legs. Having said that, he’s available and will come to Naples with us. Puscas? He’s a talented player and can do a job for us," concluded Mancini.
Versión Española 日本語版 Versi Bahasa Indonesia Versione Italiana
LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA ROBERTO MANCINI PRIMA DI NAPOLI-INTER 3.2.2015 H:13:30CET
