APPIANO GENTILE – Roberto Mancini says Inter must put their midweek Europa League exit behind them and focus on their domestic commitments as there is still a European berth for next season to be won.
Addressing the media two days on from the Nerazzurri's last-16 defeat to Wolfsburg, the coach said: "We're obviously very disappointed to have gone out but afterwards you have to get over that feeling of disappointment and work on positive thoughts. We have 11 matches left to play and we must give it everything we have until the end of the season to try and get back into Europe. There are still 33 points to play for.
"We've had our problems but the lads have always done their very best. I see improvement even though the results sadly don't reflect that at the moment. We need to be a bit patient but I'm sure there are better times to come for Inter. Next year we'll be up there challenging at the top. We'll be able to work together over the summer and new players will come in who can help the guys we already have here. It's challenging working at Inter and I'm sure we'll find the resources needed to build a competitive side."
Asked whether he had heard from president Thohir since Thursday's match, the boss replied: "Yes, of course we've spoken. He was sad after the game but he's still thinking positivly. He's very supportive to the team despite being physically far away. He's picked us up and urged us to get back into the Europa League so that we can prepare properly for next season."
Tomorrow's visit to Sampdoria could prove to be crucial for the Nerazzurri's European hopes and it's also a special game for Mancini. "Genoa's a big part of my life – I spent 15 amazing years at Sampdoria. But I've played against them several times before and tomorrow I'll have no problem being professional about it, also because Inter means just as much to me sentimentally."
In the opposite dugout will be his former No.2 and ex-Inter man Sinisa Mihajlovic. "I'm very fond of him – he's like a brother to me. He's a great coach and I wish him all the best."
Finally the coach was asked about his fitness concerns for tomorrow's game. Will Shaqiri make it? "He trained yesterday and is doing pretty well. We'll assess him properly tomorrow morning.
"Nagatomo is recovering from his injury. He'll stay here during the intenational break and should be ready afterwards. He's an important player for us and we've missed him recently because he offers us something a bit different to our other full-backs.
"Kovacic is ok, it was just a bit of bruising he got on Thursday."
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