RISCONE DI BRUNICO – Inter youth academy director Roberto Samaden has called for his team to continue to build on the success they have enjoyed over the past few years.
"Everything is there for us to build on the good work done in recent years," declared Samaden, speaking at a press conference held in Brunico to preview the upcoming season. "I want to thank everyone who works with me. I thank the club and in particular Giovanni Gardini and Piero Ausilio, who are always there for us. I’m convinced that we’ll keep making the fans happy."
Samaden began by commenting on Stefano Vecchi’s decision to stay on as Primavera coach.
"I feared I might be here unveiling a new coach, but it’s great news that Stefano Vecchi will be continuing as Primavera manager. The fact that he has decided to stay has made the club very happy. He’s a key part of the youth academy project and he’s shown what he can do both in terms of achieving results and developing young players.
"Being Primavera coach is a long-term job. Having Stefano as that coach makes all the difference – he really is a significant asset for us. Aside from that, we’ve already announced the rest of the coaching teams. There have been some changes for other teams as we’ve decided to put our faith in people who have come up through the youth academy and thus have a bond with the club."
Looking back on the 2015/16 season, Samaden was asked whether he is still disappointed about the Primavera’s penalty shootout defeat to Roma.
"In the past five years we’ve been in 15 finals and soon we’ll be contesting our 16th in the Primavera Super Cup. I would happily take another season like the one just gone. We won two trophies and had 42 players called up for international duty.
"Our ambition is always to go all the way and win but I think all of the teams did themselves justice last season. Teams like Atalanta and Roma are always there fighting against us."
Samaden also spoke about proposals for reserve teams to be introduced in Italy.
"I hope that on Monday the Lega looks at everything again. It’s not my responsibility but I hope that they make the right decision for Italian football. First and foremost, I want to see the Primavera championship reformed so we can improve the quality of the league."
Last but certainly not least, Samaden discussed the burgeoning women’s game in Italy.
"The whole of Italian football must take action to bring itself in line with European standards. At this club, not only have we adhered to FA regulations but we’ve also decided to build an all-out women’s youth academy with all the various teams within that.
"In the future, we could also have a senior women’s team – that would complete it. We’re working to develop a quality project, because it is only right that a professional football club has a good women’s team."
