Walter Mazzarri was pleased with Inter’s start against Verona, but reprimanded his players for “showing off.”
The Nerazzurri earned a 4-2 victory at San Siro, though had gone 2-0 up in the opening nine minutes.
Walter Mazzarri was pleased with Inter’s start against Verona, but reprimanded his players for “showing off.”
The Nerazzurri earned a 4-2 victory at San Siro, though had gone 2-0 up in the opening nine minutes.
“We started really very well and once we got to 2-0 up, we started to show off and play more for the crowd than to get goals. We shouldn’t do that,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We lost concentration and conceded a goal, so we could’ve done ourselves even more damage and in future we’ll pay for that attitude.
“Just look at Juventus, who were winning 2-0 at Fiorentina until the last half-hour and then lost 4-2. You can never assume you’ve won.
“This is a team with many young players. As long as everyone was concentrated and did their part, we played a fantastic game. As soon as we went deeper and took our foot off the gas, Verona put us under pressure.
“I told the lads that until we learn these lessons, we cannot think of troubling the top teams.”
Mateo Kovacic was one of those Mazzarri singled out for ‘showing off’ when the result was still in the balance.
“Mateo is in a new position and is still learning what he has to do there, improving after the first half. Unfortunately, some of my players get fired up and want to do something spectacular rather than what is effective, which you can’t afford at this level.”
The tactician did have praise for Jonathan, who scored the opening goal with a deflection and has been a revelation.
“Jonathan in pre-season training was completely different. I’d never have thought he could play in attack and defence so well, as he’s having an extraordinary campaign.”
Inter particularly lost intensity after Rodrigo Palacio’s substitution and Ishak Belfodil was sent off at the final whistle for a scuffle with Vangelis Moras.
“He is a champion. Belfodil alternates great moves with errors, so he is still young and has to learn. Palacio already did very well last season and it’s natural he is a key figure for us.
“With the red card, it’s again a lack of maturity. The game was over, he shouldn’t react to provocation and should also show respect for opponents who are upset after losing. A mature player would realise the situation, keep his cool and get out of there.
“I don’t think it was necessary to take action at that stage.”