Antonio Conte maintains the 1-1 draw at Napoli was the kind of game Inter would’ve lost in the past and explains what changed for Christian Eriksen.
The Nerazzurri saw their 11-game winning streak ended, and the lead at the top cut from 11 points to nine, but still edge closer to the Scudetto after this 1-1 draw.
Antonio Conte maintains the 1-1 draw at Napoli was the kind of game Inter would’ve lost in the past and explains what changed for Christian Eriksen.
The Nerazzurri saw their 11-game winning streak ended, and the lead at the top cut from 11 points to nine, but still edge closer to the Scudetto after this 1-1 draw.
The interview with Sky Sport Italia started on a sour note, as Conte walked in while they were discussing who could be signed to improve this Inter squad next season.
“At this moment what we need to do is concentrate on the present. We don’t know what will happen, what the plans are, we don’t know anything,” said the coach.
“So talking about the transfer market is meaningless right now. I am very happy and proud of this group, which has improved so much in every respect.
“This was a game we may well have lost in other situations, albeit undeservedly, and we’d have struggled psychologically. Instead, we saw a team that knows what it’s doing, that never loses sight of the right way forward, even if something unlucky happens, such as the own goal.
“This is too important, what we’re doing this season, and we must remain absolutely concentrated. Once that’s over, there will be time to understand the situation and figure things out. As it stands, we don’t really know what will happen.”
Samir Handanovic collided with Stefan de Vrij for a bizarre own goal, then Eriksen’s left-foot daisy-cutter drew level.
“These are games that we would’ve struggled in during the past, that we would’ve lost or at least let our heads drop. Instead, this side never loses its way,” continued Conte.
“Don’t forget Napoli were at full strength tonight and I considered them one of the favourites for the Scudetto going into the season.
“They only struggled due to so many injuries, but their first choice XI is very strong. I will say is we may well have not been as hungry as Napoli, because they are challenging for the Champions League. We could’ve afforded to play a bonus with such a big lead, but we didn’t do that, we were just as determined as Napoli.
“They realise how important it is not to give hope to those chasing us. We dropped two points compared to Milan this weekend, but a draw away to Napoli is not to be snubbed.
“From last season, I already said that Inter’s success would go through the growth of every individual player. That’s not just in football terms, but in terms of character and maturity too.
“I found a group of lads who really gave their all, as they wanted to challenge themselves and above all fight for something important.
“I always tell the players that personal success and goals are good, but at the end of your career, it’s nice to look back over what you’ve won.”
Conte was asked what changed in his rapport with Eriksen, as the Dane went from being on the verge of a transfer to becoming a mainstay in the Inter midfield alongside Marcelo Brozovic.
“Things changed when I had more time to work with him, and also I needed him to realise there is attacking and defending in football. He took a while to adapt to a very tactical style of football that we have in Italy.
“We tried in every way to get him settled and tried various roles. I know he can do much, much better. He is becoming more aggressive and showing more intensity, which certainly benefited the whole team.”