MILAN – Stefano Pioli has told Top Calcio24 that Inter can bounce straight back from the defeat to Sampdoria if they keep working hard as a group.
"We’re recovering from the mental and physical exertion of Monday and preparing for our next game against Crotone on Sunday," he began. "The next eight games are crucial to how the season will be judged. Our average points per game shows that the work we’re doing has brought results. We’ve had an unexpected defeat but we need to keep our points per game average high in order to finish as high up as possible – that will give the team a boost and let us build for a big future."
Pioli went on to speak about the challenges of taking a team on in the middle of the season.
"It definitely adds an extra layer of difficulty because you have to speed things up," he admitted. "There’s less time to get to know the players, get into their heads and explain the way you want to play."
The coach also looked back at that defeat to Sampdoria.
"I think we lost something mentally during the international break – the ability to compete for all 95 minutes," he said. "We definitely paid the price for having 13 players away for ten days. Gagliardini is a very, very important player for us right now and in the future, but Brozovic and Kondogbia have done well in other games this season. Our reaction wasn’t right after they equalised – we started to push things and didn’t play as a team.
"I have loads of options in this squad, players with the right characteristics to play good football and win matches. It’s important to have identity and spirit to enable us to live up to our potential on the field.
"Whenever you take anything for granted in football, you come unstuck. Football is very unpredictable. We were all annoyed on Monday – there was no issue with Gabriel Barbosa. We need to bounce back straight away by working hard together."
Pioli then spoke about his future.
"I’m concentrated, motivated and calm," he said. "We’re working hard and I love the spirit we have here. This is a huge club and I’ve always proved myself wherever I’ve gone – I’m doing the same here. I feel like I’m a good enough coach for Inter. This is just the start, but we can win trophies.
"We have to take it one step at a time if we’re going to catch up with the teams ahead of us. We have a very prestigious history and strong owners. The top three has been the same for years so we need to consolidate our growth and try to get closer to the Champions League positions. We’ll use the transfer market for that.
"Let’s stay focused and fight until the end. We’ve done very well so far – everyone will make their own judgement when it’s over. The team has great ability and it’s up to us to show that. It won’t be easy against Crotone – take the Palermo game, when we had to grind out a 1-0 win. We know it’ll be tough and we need to be prepared."
Last but certainly not least, Pioli looked ahead to the Milan derby.
"I’m sure you know what I’m expecting, but I won’t think about the game until next Monday, after Crotone."
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