MILAN – Stefano Pioli has stressed that his Inter squad are putting the hard yards in on the training ground as they look to improve as a team and climb the table.
The Inter boss, who was talking exclusively to Premium Sport’s YouPremium programme, spoke in glowing terms about his first few weeks at the club, while insisting it is too early to pass meaningful judgement on his tenure.
"You can’t really draw any conclusions between a month is not long enough to start taking stock," began Pioli. "We’re working hard to improve, develop as a team and achieve the kind of consistency that will enable us to better our league standing, which we’re not happy with at the moment.
"There have been lots of positives: the club is fantastic and has ensured that we have everything we need to work well. We’re trying to put things right by working hard and being professional."
Responding to questions sent in by fans, Pioli briefly touched on the meeting he had with the club before taking charge.
"The meeting has obviously received quite a lot of coverage, but that’s to be expected. The club asked me how I would coach the team, how I would manage it. Thankfully, it went well."
Pioli was keen to reiterate the hard work his squad are getting through: "We had our Christmas dinner last night but we were straight back to work and in professional mode this morning. The aim is to enable of the players in the squad to realise their full potential."
The Inter boss went on to focus on a few players in particular: "Joao Mario and [Ever] Banega are quality attacking players and we’re working hard to strike the right balance through the team.
"I joined the club with no preconceptions. I tried to show faith in my players and [Marcelo] Brozovic is responding well to that. He is young and has some great attributes, but he can still get a lot better. His actions on social media? We have a well-organised club here and the players are professionals.
"There was never an issue with [Antonio] Candreva, even if he didn’t agree with my call on who to make Lazio captain. He’s a great player and a fantastic professional – since we linked up again at Inter he’s given his all for the good of the team.
"Gabriel Barbosa is a talented young lad and he’s working hard to get used to the new habits and working methods. He needs to be patient because he’ll get his chance as he develops. Right now, when I pick the team I have to choose the players that are going to give me the best chance of winning. On top of that, he has some fantastic players ahead of him in that position."
Pioli also looked back on his first Milan derby as Inter boss: "It was an amazing day. I’d not been at Inter long and there were so many emotions flying about during the game. The stadium was loving it and I just ran out onto the pitch to celebrate without even thinking.
"The fans remember our glorious past. Inter have enjoyed great success over the years and the fans expect a lot, but we have to build our future one day at a time."
The Nerazzurri coach revealed that football has been a massive part of his life from an early age.
"Football was always king in my family," admitted Pioli. "My two brothers and I always played football and then became coaches. My son works with the video analysts at Inter – we have a fantastic team.
"I really get caught up in the intensity of working with my players, in training sessions and in the build-up to matches. I like to kick every ball with the team right until the last moment, even in training sessions – that’s just the way I work.
"I was pretty much the same as a player. It’s a bit easier when you’re a player because you only have to worry about your position, but there are a lot more little things to worry about when you’re a coach."
Pioli then looked ahead to this weekend’s trip to Sassuolo: "We have a very important match against Sassuolo on Sunday. We want to build on our recent results, plus many of the teams ahead of us are playing each other so we need to try to win. I’m open to considering all tactical solutions which make us a better team in attack and defence."
Last but not least, Pioli said a few words about the upcoming January transfer window: "We will meet with the club and analyse things with the aim of improving the squad."
Versión Española 日本語版 Versi Bahasa Indonesia Versione Italiana
