What Moratti has to say

[LaVecchiaSignora]

Inter President Massimo Moratti praised Marco Materazzi’s altruism, Adriano’s determination to remain and has an ambition: Champions League glory.

“I think I represent in some cases the team and in others the fan in the stands. The two come together very well. Our public is demanding and wants a good result in the Champions League – at least the Final.”


The Nerazzurri have ended their Scudetto drought with a record-breaking campaign, but now that the Calciopoli penalties have expired and Juventus are back, can they dominate Serie A again?


“We won the title and it is our duty to put out a strong squad. This time the others are there too, so under a certain psychological sense it is actually easier this year, as we have broken that duck.”


The season did not get off to a good start with a 1-0 defeat at San Siro to Roma in the Italian Super Cup.


“There was a serious mistake in the overall approach. The side felt strong and therefore tried to use the minimum necessary force when faced with an opponent that seemed weaker. In truth, if the weaker team has the right desire, they can beat you. A winner needs desire, concentration and humility.”


The past few days have been dramatic for Inter, as star defender Materazzi suffered a freak thigh injury during the international friendly with Hungary and needed emergency surgery to save his career. Even with that operation, he will be out for between two and four months.


“He responded with the usual courage and certainty,” revealed Moratti. “He has grown so much as a player and a man. He always asks me to do favours for other people, so he rarely thinks about himself and always tries to ensure everyone in the club is happy.”


There are reports Inter will receive financial remuneration for the fact Materazzi was so seriously injured on international duty.


If there is a shortage of defenders now, then the Nerazzurri are overflowing with forwards and Adriano seemingly turned down a loan switch to Parma on Friday.


“I had heard that rumour. Adriano is part of Inter and he is improving, day after day. We are all trying to understand him, give him a hand if needed and help him to get back to the player he was before, so that he can feel more relaxed. I think he’ll achieve that soon, as we know his incredible potential and wait for him to bring that out.”


The negotiations with Parma are still active, though, as it is claimed they have turned their attention towards Alvaro Recoba.


“It is not easy to analyse that situation because I cannot say that all the tacticians who worked with him were utterly wrong,” said Moratti of his favourite – and often disappointing – player.


“There must be a reason and tactically he is not the easiest figure to place. I consider him a decisive player. In a game he is the one who can create a goal or assist, who brings surprises for the fans and for those of us at the club.”


After 10 years at San Siro, Moratti is on his own in his never-ending loyalty towards Il Chino.


“I struggle to see Inter without Recoba, but it is seen as my personal matter and so I take that responsibility. I continue to respect Recoba, consider him a talent and am amazed I don’t have great clubs beating down my door to sign him.


“People think his wages are a problem, but his contract is perfectly suited to someone of his value and in fact is quite cheap.”


The Uruguayan has been linked with Parma, Napoli, Sampdoria and his old mentor Walter Novellino’s Torino.

ch4

[interista luigi]

We are not built for Champions League.

[D-Kin]

Well you would think that given the way you've been knocked out the last couple of seasons.

I blame Mancini.

[Jager]

No we are not. We can't defend for ninety minutes, then try to play a counter attack type of game.

That is a given. However, with our lack of creativity in midfield, things could change in our attitude towards how we play.