Inter coach Roberto Mancini is still upbeat about his team’s quality despite losing 1-0 to rivals AC Milan this Saturday.
The two Milanese giants battled it out in an International Champions Cup friendly in Beijing, China, but Rossoneri Frenchman Philippe Mexes sunk the Nerazzurri to a defeat by smashing in a stunner of a volley directly off a corner.
“I’m happy with our performance, even though we lost the game,” the former Manchester City coach told Inter’s official website.
“The most important thing is that we have improved.
“When you’re at this stage [playing multiple friendlies,] you cannot be at 100%.
“We have had two games in the past 48 hours, and that’s why I made substitutions within the first 60 minutes.
“The important thing is to prevent our players from injuries, and we did not want to take any risks.”
Mancini was also asked about AC Milan’s new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.
“We talked a little bit [after the match] and said goodbye.
“I think he will do well [with AC Milan,] and it seems that his team is taking shape. I think he will be happy there.”
Finally, the 50-year-old talked about the formation his team used during the match.
“We tried the 3-5-2 today, but it was an experiment. Maybe we’ll end up using it.”
