Inter coach Roberto Mancini has said that he needs more time to know the players, ahead of their Sunday night clash against city-rivals AC Milan.
The former Manchester City coach returned to the Nerazzurri following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri, and has said that he needs time to know the players.
“The feeling is great because we’re playing a big game,” Mancini said in the press conference. “We know it won’t be easy, but we will do our best.
“I have already decided how my team will line-up, but in four days you cannot do that much, I need time to get to know the players.”
Mancini was then asked a question about the 2006 Calciopoli scandal, which awarded Inter the 2005/06 Serie A title after Juventus were demoted to Serie B.
“Inter have responded to critics,” he said. “The events are in the past, and I don’t think about it.”
The former Manchester City coach then went on to speak about AC Milan’s frequent coaching changes which have seen three coaches take charge of the side in one year, as well as praising Rossoneri coach Filippo Inzaghi.
“Change is never easy; however, it can provide a spark,” he said. “Milan know how to play a derby though, no matter who the coach is.
“Pippo has a great history as a player, and I think he can have a great future as a coach.”
Mancini then went on to speak about his return to the San Siro after leaving his post as coach of Inter in 2008, as well as speaking about his side’s objectives for the season.
“There is always emotions involved in this job,” he said. “Especially in a game of this magnitude.
“I’m used to fighting for at least the top three, and this demoralises me a bit.
“Our job though is to get as many points as possible.”
Speaking about his predecessor Walter Mazzarri, the returning Inter boss said that playing with a back three is the same as playing with a back four, with the mindset being the most important factor.
“Mazzarri is a good coach, he’s not a fool,” he said. “I try to train the players on both formations.
“Playing with four, three, or five at the back doesn’t change anything, what matters is the mindset.”
The former striker then spoke about midfielder Fredy Guarin, who has been linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri.
“I think he’s a great midfielder who can defend and attack,” he said. “He also knows how to score, and I think he’ll be a key player to the team.”
Mancini was then asked about Juventus president Andrea Agnelli’s words that criticised former Inter president Massimo Moratti for accepting the 2005/06 Scudetto which was stripped off Juventus due to Calciopoli.
“These events happened many years ago,” he said. “I only want to talk about the derby.”
The newly appointed coach then went on to speak about his relationship with club president Erick Thohir.
“I was impressed by the way he spoke to us,” he said. “We still need to know each other better, and of course there will be an opportunity to do just that.
“He is very passionate about Inter and football, which is very important.”
Mancini’s words then drifted towards young Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, saying that he cannot be put under too much pressure.
“He is a very gifted footballer,” he said. “We must expect some mistakes from him.
“We will work hard in order to showcase his quality.
“However, we mustn’t put him under pressure, because he cannot perform every game.
“We expect many goals from him though, because his role implies that.
“He must play near the penalty area, but he also has to help out with the defence.”
The former Sampdoria striker was then asked about who he has in mind for the role of assistant coach, as well as saying that he expects the side to play as a team on Sunday.
“There are several options and I am considering various names for the job,” he said.
“I want to see the players playing as a team on Sunday.”
Mancini then spoke about his preparations for the derby game on Sunday.
“I haven’t seen [Gary] Medel yet because he just came back from international duty yesterday, whilst Hernanes hasn’t been in good shape,” he said.
“Hernanes is an extraordinary player; I’ll have to talk to him about what position he favours, but I think he can play anywhere in midfield.
“We’ll see who will be the most useful player in that position.”
“[Yuto] Nagatomo? He likes to run, even in training; he can do a lot for Inter but we still have to work on his defending.
“In order to win you have to defend well, and we have to improve our solidity at the back.
“It is important for players to contribute to both defence and attack.”
Concluding his words, Mancini went on to praise the history of both Milanese clubs, saying that what happened to both clubs is just a coincidence.
“Both teams have always played for the top tournaments,” he concluded. “What happened to them is just a coincidence.”
The Derby della Madonnina is set to kick-off at 20:45 CET at the San Siro.
