Frank de Boer urged Inter to “not play with the handbrake on” ahead of their trip to Atalanta and defended his tactics against Southampton.

It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.

Considering the tension of ultras protesting against the team, and specifically captain Mauro Icardi, is it beneficial for Inter to be playing in Bergamo?

Frank de Boer urged Inter to “not play with the handbrake on” ahead of their trip to Atalanta and defended his tactics against Southampton.

It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.

Considering the tension of ultras protesting against the team, and specifically captain Mauro Icardi, is it beneficial for Inter to be playing in Bergamo?

“No, I always prefer to play at home. The crowd is with the team, so that’s always better,” said the Dutchman in his Press conference.

Although the Nerazzurri beat Southampton 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, the performance was criticised for being too sluggish and negative.

“Tomorrow is going to be a difficult match and I want to see how my team is doing. We have our philosophy and in my view in the second part of the Southampton game we played better.

“Icardi played very well against Southampton and worked hard off the ball. He always wants to score, but in my view he sent a signal to the team: ‘I am the captain and I am the first to work hard’. It was not easy, but I am happy with what he did.

“At times it is better to play with a more advanced midfielder like Ever Banega, at others with more defensive profiles. The work of the full-backs is also important, but above all the mentality. We must attack the space, just as Joao Mario did against Cagliari.

“We must always play in an attacking way, but from the start, not after 20 minutes. In my view discipline and approach are very important. I want to play in this way. I made a couple of changes against Southampton, but it was right for the situation.

“This season we have adapted to the opposition twice already, the first being against Chievo. We want to win, the Saints are a strong side and physically imposing. They were in better shape than us, so it was only right we adapt to them.

“In general we mustn’t play with the handbrake on, as when we have the ball at our feet we need to focus only on our style of football.

“We made many crosses against Southampton, more than 20. That’s extremely positive, but the fact we created only one actual scoring opportunity, Antonio Candreva’s goal, makes me reflect on a few things.

“Crosses are good, but we need more of a presence in the opposition box. The other players need to find the goal too, not just Icardi. As for the defence, as always I saw many chances gifted to the opposition by our mistakes.”

There is still talk that De Boer could be sacked, as potential replacements include Laurent Blanc, Leonardo and caretaker manager Andrea Mandorlini.

“I just focus on working hard, as it’s the only thing I can do right now. I have faith in everyone. My squad is made up of many men and it’s naturally to be unhappy when you don’t play. I am very honest. Only 11 can start, so I must make my choices. It’s not easy, but that’s my job.”

With that in mind, why have we not seen more from summer signing Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa?

“There is another level of intensity in Italy compared to Brazil. He still needs to adapt to Italian football.”

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