APPIANO GENTILE - Roberto Mancini appeared very relaxed and focused in his news conference earlier, as he looked ahead to Saturday's game at Palermo's Stadio Renzo Barbera.
Mancini began by addressing the fact that Inter haven't won in a month: "In truth, there was the international break but we hope to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, even though our next two matches are away."
Everyone's been talking about Kondogbia over the past week, as he came on against Juventus and starred in the derby win in the Berlusconi trophy: "He played well but if he starts it won't be based solely on that. We rate him and believe in him, even the likes of van Basten and Platini struggled initially."
The same goes for Marcelo Brozovic: "Brozovic is young and he's not been at the club for a year yet. I think he's an excellent player and he and Guarin are the two players most suited to playing as false wingers."
On the transfer window: "I haven't spoken to Thohir about that and if we do so, it'll be down the road. If we perform well, we can force our way into the title shake-up."
One of the newest signings was Serbian Adem Ljajic: "I have to say, he hasn't had enough games to show what's he all about. He's not yet 100% but he will travel. Either tomorrow or Tuesday he'll be back on the bench or will play. We'll see. I think we're all improving at the moment and the more progress we make, the more goals we'll score. I know Mauro, who is still our main goalscorer, can be a match winner. Jovetic meanwhile can take us up a level in the final third but Perisic can also be crucial, albeit in a different way. The latter two particularly haven't been at the club for long and I think they might need a bit of time to show their ability. As for Icardi, he'll soon be back in the goals and when he does so, he'll help to make the difference."
Biabiany could also offer an alternative in attack: "He's coming on a lot and I'm pleased because he can play his part too."
Inter aren't considered title favourites: "I think that's fair. And to be honest I prefer it that way."
Attention then turned to Santon and Ranocchia: "Davide can definitely play even better but he's performing well and he's not on any list of January departures. I think Andrea's on good form and is an excellent player. It's a shame he's not played much thus far."
On Saturday's opponents: "Palermo have 10 points and they've played better on the road than at home but I know it's never an easy place to go. Gilardino has a lot of experience and Vazquez is a talent. They have a very young side with lots of energy and they can cause you problems. I think Iachini's an excellent coach and knows how to get them playing."
Finally a word on Sinisa Mihajlovic potentially losing his job: "I saw him on Wednesday and all I can say is he's a friend of mine, I'm very fond of him and I wish him all the best. He'll get through this because he's a good coach and he works hard."
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