RISCONE DI BRUNICO – After introducing Caner Erkin to the media in Brunico this afternoon, Piero Ausilio took questions from the gathered journalists.
The sporting director began by discussing the staggered return of Inter's first-team squad after many players were involved in international tournaments this summer.
"We're talking to the coach to find the best solution. We want to give everyone the right amount of time off and we'll organise specific training programmes to ensure everyone is available at the start of August."
Quizzed about recent talk regarding the possible sale of Mauro Icardi, Ausilio continued: "I'm not angry about it, I just would have preferred to spend my Sunday differently. It made me smile to be honest but I do think it was the wrong time and the wrong place. You always have the opportunity to discuss these things but I feel it was done the wrong way. It should be done in private.
"In any case, one day of headlines is enough; let's talk about things that matter. Icardi signed a new contract a year ago, we've made him our captain and he's not for sale. Anything else is just talk."
Ausilio went on to speak about rumours linking Inter with moves for Joao Mario and Gabriel Jesus.
"Joao Mario is a good player but he's very expensive. We're tracking him but we're looking at other players too.
"As for Gabriel Jesus, we can't say we hold an advantage because the situation is in the hands of his club and the player himself. About ten of the world's biggest clubs are after him and we're one of them. The competition for his signature is fierce.
"I speak to Mancini every day and now that I'm here we'll be able to discuss lots of things in detail. In any case, this summer will be different to last summer. This year we have at least 10 or 11 players who are not for sale besides Icardi – players who are firmly in our plans and who form the core of our team.
"We just need to make a couple of additions and we know exactly which areas we're looking at. We're not in any rush because the transfer window has only just opened."
Ausilio also offered a few thoughts on business in the other direction: "The Santon deal was completed but he came back because he wasn't convinced about certain aspects relating to his contract. It's the right thing to do, but he knows as well as anybody else that there's a lot of competition for certain positions. I'm sure we'll soon find a solution that suits everybody. However, Davide is one of our own – he developed here and should he decide to stay, he'll get his chance.
"There have never been talks over Jeison Murillo, but there's been contact with Roma over Juan Jesus. That doesn't mean anything has been done, however. We're still talking, let's wait and see.
"We met with Sassuolo to inquire over Domenico Berardi's availability, plus a few other players. The response was negative and the conversation finished there. We haven't put an offer on the table for Antonio Candreva. His technical ability is not in question but you have to take other things into consideration."
He wrapped up with a comment on his future and that of Roberto Mancini: "My contract is about to expire but this doesn't mean anything because the main thing is that we want to stay together. The coach and I are happy and, as long as the owners still want us, we'd like to carry on working together to build something big at Inter.
"Putting the contract question to one side, I have always worked in the same way, giving everything for the club and I'll carry on doing that until my last day here."
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