Inter Coach Antonio Conte: “Christian Eriksen Is In Good Shape Physically, He Is Understanding Our Ideas” | OneFootball

Inter coach Antonio Conte spoke to gathered reporters at a press conference earlier today, ahead of tomorrow’s league clash against Udinese. His words were noted by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.

First, the 50-year-old Italian coach touched on the team’s mentality ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Friulian club.

“Well, there is certainly the satisfaction of having reached the semi-final of the Coppa Italia despite the difficulties of the day before. We’ve trained well, we’re ready to face our opponents.”

The former Juventus and Chelsea coach then spoke about whether or not he was satisfied with the transfer market acquisitions now that the window is closed.

“Hallelujah! I explained from the first day of the market what would happen. If we sold, we’d soon have players. We sold Politano and bought Eriksen. We brought in two on loan and we sent away two on loan. I was honest because I knew.”

Conte discussed whether or not Christian Eriksen would be ready to play in tomorrow’s game and what he expects from the Dane.

“Christian was playing very little with Tottenham. He was playing a little of a game, but all in all, physically, I found him in pretty good shape. He’s doing his fourth training session today, he’s getting into our football ideas. We’ve talked a lot to him to make him understand what we want from him. I’m sure he’s a footballer who gets it right away. We’re happy to have him with us. He adds to a midfielders’ department with good characteristics.”

He didn’t expect Eriksen to play like former Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

“He has totally different characteristics. Eriksen has quality, vision, he can score goals. He can be a finisher. Zidane had other characteristics.”

The Italian coach refused to reveal who would start alongside Romelu Lukaku tomorrow.

“One of Alexis Sanchez or Sebastiano Esposito will play, which is who will give the most guarantees. Lautaro’s absence is important, he has refined his understanding with Lukaku because they have always played. His suspension is an opportunity for those who played less.”

Conte suggested that he was happy with his squad now, although he was sad to see the three players leave.

“Time will tell. We need to talk about who’s here, I’m happy to coach this group of players who are men first and foremost. I felt sorry for those who left because Lazaro, Dimarco and Politano have shown attachment and a sense of belonging. I think the guys are sorry too. The three new players are from another league and they need to know the language. We have to be good, it will be important to be good with each other because creating something from the inside helps to overcome what happens on the outside.”

The 50-year-old Italian discussed whether or not his arrival at Inter has made the Nerazzurri a more attractive destination, considering his record with Chelsea.

“I won two trophies in two years, it’s no picnic in England considering who coaches there. Klopp is in his fourth year in England and at the national level he hasn’t won. Guardiola in the first year anyway. I’m glad Young, Moses and Eriksen decided to come. Eriksen was a big acquisition for the club. He was in a position to choose and he chose us. That must give us great satisfaction and pride. It means Inter are being seen in the right way on the outside. I think each and every one of us is contributing to Inter’s shine. We’ve started a path, it takes patience, but this start has given very positive signals on the outside because it wasn’t obvious that a player at the end of his contract would decide to come to Inter.”

The former Italy coach refused to talk about the recent form of both Lazio and Juventus.

“Talking about the other teams doesn’t interest me at all. I’ve been saying that since the start of the year, we have to look only at ourselves and make a run for the title day by day. I’m happy to work at Inter, to see what we’ve done over the past six months and to see people who appreciate what we’re doing. I am happy when people thank us because it means they are appreciating the dedication we are putting into getting Inter back where they deserve. Let’s look at ourselves and our journey. You only grow up working.”

He spoke about the brief break in the schedule and the busy schedule up ahead.

“When this cycle of games starts, we will have to cross our fingers to avoid injuries because you’ve seen what happened in the last five months. Some players have always played every three days. I hope we can be calmer in our choices and rotations, so we can let some rest and let some play. Something that hasn’t happened so often in the past.”

Finally, Conte touched on Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and whether he is fit or not for tomorrow’s game.

“Brozovic had his first training session with the squad yesterday and will come to Udine. We’ll make assessments taking into account his condition. I’m expecting a tough game, which we’ll work hard in. Udinese also had a number of difficulties in the first leg because they’re good physically and have quality. It’s going to be a tough game like they all are in Italy.”