Inter stars speak at Sponsor Christmas Party

MILAN – Vice president Javier Zanetti, Davide Santon, Marco Andreolli, Felipe Melo and Danilo D’Ambrosio spoke to Mediaset Premium during the Inter Sponsor Christmas Party on Monday night.

First to chat to the reporters was Davide Santon, who began by looking back on Sunday’s win over Genoa: "We’re on the right track. It’s not easy when the results aren’t coming consistently but it was a massive game. We really need to get some consistency and work hard during the break to ensure 2017 is a better year.

"The boss is focusing on our consistency because we have the team, we have the players, we have the quality. Mentally we’ve not been consistent enough. Everything is much easier when you’re winning football matches. It was tough against Genoa but we got a huge win – now we need to build on that."

Santon also spoke about his personal goals for the season: "I just want to keep myself in good shape and the rest will come. I don’t really set targets for myself – now is not the time for that. We have a team objective and the only way we can achieve it is through working hard. I hope we can get there together."

Marco Andreolli agreed that it had been a vital win over Genoa on Sunday.

"It was important to get the three points," said the defender. "Now we need to continue working hard to ensure we improve. We kept a clean sheet and that was fantastic, though there are still a few things we can improve on. We’re working hard and the boss will focus on building the best system for the team."

Andreolli also expressed his hope that 2017 will be a more positive year at Inter.

"It’s been a tough year, so let’s hope the next one is better. I’m almost fully recovered now but I need to spend a bit more time putting the hard work in. That said, I’m totally available for selection. It would be huge to round off the year with two wins, mainly because we need points to get back up the table. There’s no room for mistakes – we need to find some confidence."

Vice president Javier Zanetti was full of praise for the Nerazzurri’s performance against a battling Genoa side.

"We need the win against Genoa. We were made to suffer but we were up against an excellent side. We dug in and the lads showed that they wanted to win. Right now we’re focusing on the games we have left because we want to climb the table. Pioli is desperate to do well – he’s leaving his mark on the team and I loved what he was saying yesterday about needing to deliver with actions rather than words."

Zanetti also gave an update on Gabriel Barbosa’s adaptation to life at Inter.

"He’s working hard and staying humble. The club and the manager will decide what to do."

The vice president also moved to dampen rumours linking Diego Simeone with a future return to the club.

"He expressed his wish but we’ve never said anything like that. We have a fantastic coach in Stefano Pioli and we want to achieve great things with him."

Felipe Melo then looked ahead to Sunday’s visit to Sassuolo.

"We need to secure another win at Sassuolo. We’re determined to work hard in every game, fight for every ball and give everything we have to win. I hope to continue helping the team and maybe get myself more playing time, but even when I’m not playing I want to do my bit and use my experience. I’m happy to be there – the important thing is that we win. That’s the only way to change our fortunes."

Last but certainly not least, Danilo D’Ambrosio insisted that the side is determined to build on the three points won against Genoa.

"It was an important win and we want it to be a springboard for us. We’re trying to give our all and stand up and fight for Inter. All coaches have their own ideas, but right now we’re focusing on the physical side of things a lot more. Regardless of the playing system, our job is just to follow the boss’ instructions and do our best."

D’Ambrosio also spoke about how Gabriel Barbosa is settling in at the club: "The quality is there, but obviously he needs time to adapt. Playing in Brazil is very different."

The full-back went on to stress that Inter’s objectives have not changed, despite the tough start to the season.

"We still want to qualify for the Champions League, even after all the issues. We need consistency and that’s what we’re working towards."