MILAN – Roberto Mancini was the guest on today's broadcast of 'The Politics of Football' by GR Parlamento and answered a few questions on Inter's season.
"The aim at the start of the season was to qualify for the Champions League but we knew there were better teams ahead of us. I think we've had a good season but I always want the very best and, as I said after Sassuolo v Inter, I wouldn't even have been satisfied with third place.
"I'd give the campaign six and a half out of ten because we've improved compared to last season and we've set out some good foundations. Nevertheless, we're Inter and we have to do better."
The Nerazzurri coach had no doubts when it came to the positive notes from the year gone by: "The fans coming back to San Siro. We had the highest average attendance in the league this season.
"In terms of the squad, the new players have found it tough at times but they improved as the year went on and there are numerous guys who made progress from the first half of the season to the second. As a result, I can look towards the future with optimism. We've got players who have proved their quality and will do so much better with a year's worth of experience in Serie A under their belts: a prime example is Geoffrey Kondogbia who was a key player in the second half of the season."
Mancini was also questioned about the gap to the best sides in Serie A: "We didn't have too many problems in head-to-head matches against the big sides, in fact we were even better than them at times. It was an even game in Turin against Juventus, although we ended up losing. We were better than both Roma and Napoli but over the long run they picked up more points.
"We have to bring in new players who will help us improve and close the gap on those clubs."
Next on the agenda was Inter's business in the summer transfer window: "It seems Ever Banega is on the way in: he has quality, personality and will be useful. I don't think Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return, it looks as if he's decided his future and I don't think it will be with the Nerazzurri. It's a shame because he's a player who can change matches.
Staying on the future briefly, the head coach also clarified his own situation: "I am 100% staying, I can feel the club has faith in me. That's never been in question.
"The important thing is that everyone is happy. I've been at Inter for many years, we have been successful together and I don't want to ruin the bond that we have created. We have to define what our objectives are and understand that you need time. We can't spend that much so we have to be careful and not make mistakes."
Finally, Mancini touched on his relationship with Erick Thohir and Massimo Moratti: "I spoke to the president yesterday and we'll chat again soon. It's important Moratti is still a part of the club and works with the president to help him fit into the Italian environment. His family has been a huge part of the history of this club."
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