Interview after having lost to Lyon at home

04-10-2002

The president visited today. How's the team doing?
I can say this - each time, the president amazes us even more. He's a person that always thinks positively and always gives us confidence. We made a false step [against Lyon], but not everything is to be thrown away. It's the first match we've lost, not the third or fourth. The president told us to go ahead, just a word from him is enough. We faced a team that played better than us. Physically, they were better than us for ninety minutes, we had spent a lot [of energy] against Chievo . The situation is still the same. We're in debt with the president, with the people of Inter and with ourselves. But a defeat like this can only give us more determination.

Has the defeat had any psychological effects on you?
No, after what happened last year this is nothing. There's just anger.

Another Champions League defeat could compromise your progressing to the second phase...
For me we can even lose another. I hope not, but by winning two matches we would arrive at ten points.

So you need to win in Amsterdam or Lyon?
Of course. We have to do it. We play better when faced with the task of winning only.

Are you under pressure now?
Apart from this last match, we've never lacked concentration. It's impossible that it will happen again against Piacenza.

How about yourself?
It's normal that playing a lot of matches doesn't allow you to be 100%. Playing a lot takes something away from you. It's happened to Bobo, it's happened to Crespo , it also happens to me. But we are who we are and we must play.

And the new module?
We played one match well, but not everything was resolved. Last year we always played with four [in defence] and it always went well. This year the change led to a good result against Chievo . Then, against Lyon it didn't go well. We can also play with four, I don't think it's a question of module.

The president has spoken of a good atmosphere within the squad. How did you see Moratti?
Luckily, he's always the same. He's suffered and he wants to win. He's the president everyone would like to have. He always encourages you and you have to reflect on this. You have to do everything possible. I believe the president is the symbol of all Inter fans.

Was he severe with you?
No. What he said remains. He always encourages you, both when he's severe and when he's not. After he speaks to us you ask yourself - how can you not win?

Because of the side's characteristics, Inter should play with lethal counter-attacks...
Yes, but how can you? How can you at home? We have fast players capable of creating great danger on the counter-attack at the San Siro. I also like to have fifty metres of the pitch available, but at the San Siro you have trouble getting just ten. If you're at Inter you can't only play like this. We must have more ball possession and we're working on this. Then you can play matches with the counter-attack, once, twice or three times...

[inter.it]