Walter Mazzarri has Inter fired up for the Milan Derby and refused to drop hints. “We do not fear anyone.”
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Walter Mazzarri has Inter fired up for the Milan Derby and refused to drop hints. “We do not fear anyone.”
The Derby della Madonnina kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Jonathan is one of the doubts that I have, as I need the final training session to get a better idea of his fitness levels. I’ll decide at the last minute,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“There are three games to go and I will only say what I think at the end of the season. On everything. That is when I’ll make my evaluations.”
Mazzarri gave a similar response on most questions about who will remain at Inter next term, including Diego Milito and the other ‘heroes’ of the Treble in 2010.
He was also playing his cards close to his chest when it came to his line-up tomorrow night.
“I don’t want to give any advantages. After all, Clarence Seedorf didn’t say anything about his starting XI either.
“I respect Milan, but do not fear anyone. They did well last week against Roma, despite the defeat, and the Derby has its own difficulties. They are in good shape and have a lot of quality in the squad with Honda, Kaka, Balotelli and Pazzini.
“Their philosophy has changed since Massimiliano Allegri left. They too are in a transitional period and it’s only normal their results will be up and down.
“Who has more to lose? I do not consider this issue, as I am concentrated on the match and want to prepare my men for victory. After the game we will evaluate the situation.
“The Derby is a fascinating experience and every time is different, but always important.”
Mazzarri was asked whether he’d be willing to train Milan ‘bad boy’ Mario Balotelli after Mauro Icardi.
“I wouldn’t be afraid of that challenge. I know my work and what I do with the lads. Those who are not banal tend to respect me and like the way I talk. I think I am the right person to advise Icardi and he pays a lot of attention to our advice.”
Inter are in fifth place and the tactician admits this has been a far tougher campaign than he had anticipated.
“At times we zone out and I was not accustomed to seeing that in my teams, so I struggled to understand the reason. It happens in certain areas and that saw the team lose many points.
“We should be kicking ourselves at all the draws we played out, dictated by bad luck or incidents not going our way. We’ll try to play our game and force Milan to play less well.”