Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Zanetti: “Everyone Needs To Give More, Not Just Simone Inzaghi” | OneFootball

Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti feels that it is clear that something more is needed from all the members of the squad, and not just from coach Simone Inzaghi.

Speaking at the release of a book by former teammate Gianluca Pagliuca, via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri executive made clear that more than just the coach must take responsibility when things aren’t going according to plan for the team.

Over the past few days, there has been a lot of talk about the role of Inzaghi as coach in Inter’s recent run of poor form.

The 46-year-old has faced some criticism for, among other things, the lack of intensity and motivation by his team in matches against “smaller” opposition, and a perceived lack of tactical versatility.

For Zanetti’s part, the Vice-President feels that while it’s right for the coach to have to be responsible for the team, it is not just the coach.

“The most important thing is that none of us are looking for any excuses,” he said.

“After the loss against Bologna, I listened to the words from the coach, then from Lautaro, and when you hear that your coach and one of the most central players aren’t looking for excuses, that they recognize that it wasn’t a good match, that’s what we need to start from,” Zanetti said.

“There are many important matches very close together, and we hope to respond as early as this Sunday.”

Of the potential for Lautaro Martinez to be captain at Inter, Zanetti said that “He’s been showing a strong sense that he belongs here since he arrived at Inter, and he’s trying to convey that on the pitch.”

Of the form of striker Romelu Lukaku, he said that “He’s improving a lot, he had a very serious injury which kept him out for a long time.”

“It’s not easy for a striker like him, given his size, to fully recover, but I think in recent weeks we’ve seen a much more positive version of Lukaku.”

Of the distance from Napoli in the table, Zanetti said that “First of all, we have to recognize that they’re having an extraordinary season.”

“Beyond that, we’re aware that we’ve dropped some points along the way that we perhaps shouldn’t have this, but that’s what happened on the pitch.”

“We can’t go looking for a culprit, but just for the solution,” he added.

“I’ve read that Inzaghi has to give more,” the Vice-President said, “but it’s not Inzaghi who has to give more, but everyone.”

“The club, the players, the coach,” Zanetti named.

“We’re a team, the positives and negatives are never those of just a single person.”

Of the Champions League, Zanerri said that “We’re very confident, in the first match [against Porto] we showed great character in how we approached it.”

“We know it won’t be easy in the second leg,” he added, “Porto will play their game, but we’ll be ready to come up against them.”