Bergomi warns Oaktree that Inter fans won’t accept ‘one thing’ | OneFootball

Inter legend Beppe Bergomi warns new club owners Oaktree that Nerazzurri fans won’t accept a project based on young players and suggests signing a new centre-back.

Oaktree confirmed on Wednesday that they had taken control of Inter after ex-president Steven Zhang failed to repay a loan of nearly €400m including interests.

Oaktree appears willing to keep the club for the foreseeable future, and directors Piero Ausilio, Alessandro Antonello, Dario Baccin, and Beppe Marotta will retain their roles.

“What I’ve understood is that it is in the owners’ interest to keep Inter competitive,” Inter legend Bergomi told Gazzetta.

Not many saw the Nerazzurri as Serie A title favourites last summer, especially after the departures of André Onana, Milan Skriniar, Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku. Nevertheless, the most highly rated and trustworthy casinos provided accurate predictions and insights into the Nerazzurri campaign, suggesting they could have won the second title in four years.

When Bergomi was asked what would happen if Oaktree changed strategy and signed mostly young players, he replied: “I don’t think the fans would accept it. Marotta has decided to sign some promising players but also others in their 30s for free. This is the way, and now results are coming, and the books are balanced. I don’t see why they should change now.

“Some players can’t be replaced, like Lautaro,” insisted Bergomi.

“He didn’t score for two and a half months, but nobody complained because he fights, helps his teammates and remains a reference point. A year ago, he’d have been upset. Now, El Toro feels like a captain and a leader. Barella and Calhanoglu are also vital.”

Not Thuram?

“The Frenchman is fourth on my list, but I’d sit down for his €85m clause, like for any other player. This is football nowadays. Marcus has been vital also inside the dressing room. If I were him, I’d think twice before leaving Inter, where he has found an ideal tactical collocation. Perhaps they may put him in different positions if he joins a wealthier club.”

On the other hand, what if Oaktree decides to make an investment that Zhang could not afford?

“I would sign a centre-back, different from those Inter have currently,” said Bergomi.

“Quick and able to defend with a high line. Acerbi and De Vrij are precious, but I must consider the future too.

“However, keeping the same team and adding Zielinski and Taremi, would already be a great thing for the future.”

Both players will join Inter on a free transfer, and Taremi’s agent, Federico Pastorello, has shared on social media the first picture of the Iran striker in Milan.