Moratti: "Time to knuckle down"

MILAN – From Inter's defeat against Siena to the rocky spell the Milan clubs are going through, Massimo Moratti fielded questions from journalists waiting outside the Saras offices.

inter.it brings you the president's statements in full:

How do you interpret Inter's defeat to Siena yesterday?

"As a defeat that comes at a bad time because we needed to win - it would have been a good thing, a positive sign for the team. For the fans, who can understand the moment we're going through, but also for the team, it would have an injection of confidence. They have another chance on Wednesday though and, if we're talking about San Siro, on Sunday. We have to knuckle down now: we have the material to work with, the coach is bright and capable of figuring things out, and there are plenty of players, so I think a positive solution – one which gives us our confidence back – can be found."

Yesterday the coach said he was happy with the way the team played. Do you agree?

"I have to say that this sort of game is difficult to analyse, playing against a team that – aside from their counter-attacks – bolted themselves up in defence. All you can do is play that way and try to find an opening to slip into. The players did what was asked of them, but in situations like that there is an element of risk and we paid for that risk."

Would you agree with the decision to switch to a three-man back line?

"Yes, why not give it a go? But I'll leave that responsibility – not a burden but the pleasure of responsibility – to those who are more clued up, so the coach and the players themselves. If they feel more confident that way then so be it, it would be much better, so yes I think it's right to try it out."

What are your thoughts on the negative period that the Milan clubs are going through?

"It happens. It's also very much linked to the general economic crisis which led AC Milan to sell some of their players, while we are pushing ahead with a strong emphasis on youth. These are factors that don't really make you feel you have a super team, but you hope it can become one, even though it's all down to the work you put in. If you have a €20 million player you – understandably – get criticised because with things the way they are you can't have players like that. But if you don't have those players, this is the situation you find yourself in."

• Tweet