SOUTHAMPTON - Stefano Vecchi insists Inter must be focused on nothing but tomorrow's game against Southampton as it could prove crucial to the Nerazzurri's European ambitions.
The Primavera boss, who has stepped up to take charge of the first team following the club's parting with Frank de Boer on Tuesday, is aware of the current uncertainty at the club but was keen to place all the emphasis on the present.
“All that matters right now is the game we have to play tomorrow. There's no point looking any further. People often talk about the future but we have to live in the here and now because there's a lot riding on tomorrow."
Vecchi also explained why the transition from the U19 side to the first team has been relatively seamless.
"I was coaching the Primavera team when Piero Ausilio asked me to coach the first team. There was talk of it in the papers but I hadn't heard anything about it up till then. My coaching staff and I know the players already because we often train together.
“In pre-season we worked with the international players who had been involved in the Euros and the Copa America so I got to know some of them better. Obviously there's a bit more pressure when it comes to preparing a Europa League game.
“I know all the players and they're international class so there will be no big surprises for our opponents there. I'll ask the lads to keep things simple. We need to go out there with a few clear ideas in mind so that we can put them into practice tomorrow."
As for change at the helm: "I'm sorry for Frank de Boer – I feel for him as a fellow coach. We had good relations between the first team and the Primavera. Sadly these things happen in football.
"I don't know what will happen in future. I'm an Inter coach and it's good to know that Piero Ausilio, Erick Thohir and Suning appreciate my work.
On the match itself: “I'll prepare for the game as best I can and I'll be able to rely on very good players who have the ability to get us out of this tricky period.
“I like to take the game to the opposition. We'll dig in and defend if we have to, but we'll try to play our own game.
"What will I ask the lads? That they help me and they help each other. They're very talented players and when faced with difficulties they need to find the way to express their ability."
The coach ended with a thought for Erick Thohir: "Our thoughts are with president Thohir and his family. We'll play with black armbands tomorrow."
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