MILAN – Eder says belief is the watchword for Inter as they bid to climb the Serie A table and get back in the reckoning for the Champions League places.
“There are loads of points left to play for and a long way to go so anything could happen. We just need to keep believing,” the 30-year-old told Mediaset Premium in an exclusive interview.
“Personal targets? It's the team's targets that matter to me and what we all want is to get back in the Champions League. We know we're off the pace at the moment but you can soon change things with a run of wins.”
The striker was speaking after bagging both goals in the Nerazzurri's Europa League victory over Sparta Prague and he hopes the result can have a knock-on effect in Serie A.
"The win doesn't change the outcome of the group but hopefully it will help boost our confidence because it's a tricky spell for us. The only way you get out of situations like this is by knuckling down. We're doing that and I think we're heading in the right direction.
“Pioli has only just come in and with each passing week we're getting to grips with what he wants from us. I believe we can be successful.”
Looking back on the Nerazzurri's Europa League campaign, the No.23 explained: “Our problems started when we lost to Hapoel Be'er Sheva at home, although they don't get the credit they deserve because they're a side built for the Champions League play-offs.
“Sadly we've thrown away this chance we had in Europe. We'll learn from it.
“You're always going to get a few tough moments over the course of the 90 minutes but we need to be good enough not to lose our way.”
So how did it feel to score your first double for Inter?
“I'm pleased but mainly for the team because when the team is playing well we all benefit individually.
"I certainly thought I'd have scored a few more by now but as far as my performances go I think I've done well whenever I've been called upon.
“What matters is we're able to knock out results consistently – that's what gives you the confidence to perform at your best.”
Finally, the Brazil-born Italy international shared his thoughts on fellow strikers Andrea Pinamonti and Gabriel Barbosa.
"Pinamonti is a kid with his feet on the ground. He always works hard in training and he's got great ability – he's a real striker. He's going to be a big player for Inter in the future.
“As for Gabriel, it's not easy to adjust to Serie A after playing in the Brazilian league, mainly because of the tactical side. I encountered the same problem when I first came here. He's training well and learning what the gaffer wants. I think a settling-in period is perfectly normal. In any case he's got plenty of talent and he could have an important role to play at Inter.”
