Inter’ CEO has covered a wide range of topics related to the past, present, and future of the Nerazzurri. Many themes were touched upon.
Giuseppe Marotta, Inter’s CEO, gave a lengthy interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I won my first Serie A title in Turin with Antonio Conte without European commitments. Experience tells me that being able to plan the season with just the league and the Coppa Italia is an advantage. That’s why I say Juventus is the favorite for the Scudetto.“
Let’s turn the question around: why should Inter win this Scudetto?
“Because we feel strong and have a great self-esteem, thanks to the results in Europe from the past season. And we know how much the fans care about this Scudetto, which coincides with the second star.”
How has the start of the season been?
“It is a crucial year with significant changes in the squad. We have 12 new players arriving. Despite this, I consider our start very positive.”
Torino, Salzburg, and Roma: Is Inter ready?
“It must be. With Ausilio, we have assembled a squad capable of meeting these challenges.”
Is this Inter the most complete one you’ve managed?
“Definitely yes. It’s the most balanced, and we feel secure in all positions.”
Even in attack?
“If we look at the numbers, the attack has worked great: there hasn’t been a single game where we’ve failed to score. Instead, we’ve conceded avoidable goals. And the Scudetto is won with the best defense.”
Your first Inter, in 2018-19, had more or less the same wage bill as today: 116 million. Yet, you’re now competing for the Scudetto. What does that mean?
“I’ll respond this way. Reducing costs is one of our goals, but competitiveness should never decrease. Let me explain further: important players inevitably come with significant wages. Rather than reducing costs, I’m more concerned about maximizing resources. If you’re at a big club that wants to win, the wage bill can never drop below a certain threshold.”
Why will Lautaro extend his contract?
“It’s right for the club to pay attention to its players’ situations: Lautaro isn’t like Skriniar: if he expresses the desire to extend, which also aligns with our desires, it means he will extend, and our relationship can continue for a long time.
Having loyal players is an added value. Without that sense of belonging, a player doesn’t even understand what it means to play or win a derby. For a club, the ultimate goal is to have a player who chooses to stay with the club rather than moving to more prominent teams.”
Is he the best player in our league? Is Baggio right?
“Yes, at this moment, there is no one like him.”
Is Lukaku a regret, a disappointment, or just an opponent?
“He is in the past; Lukaku is history. There isn’t a single member of the management who still thinks about him. Not one. From a football perspective, these dynamics should be expected; it’s not the first time it’s happened.”
Are you sure? An example like this?
“A player who pretended to want the renewal but had other intentions…”
Are you referring to Skriniar?
“I felt a strong sense of disappointment. When a player doesn’t renew, it’s not against the management or the president; it’s against the history and value of the club. He did a disservice to Inter, not to individuals. He could have renewed; we proposed many solutions, including setting a release clause that would protect both him and Inter. But he consistently said no.”
Why did Inter shift the budget allocated for the attack to the defense during the summer?
“Because an opportunity arose to sign an important player for both the present and the future. Pavard has strong asset value, regardless of his position.”
Is it true that Thuram reminds you of his father?
“Humility, courage, perseverance: Marcus shares the same values as Lilian, values that underpin personal success.”
Do you believe in another Champions League final?
“Yes, I do. Unlike the Scudetto, where the strongest team always wins, in the Champions League everything is possible.”
If I mention Inzaghi?
“His record is very positive; the club is very happy with him. He arrived at Inter with just one previous coaching experience at Lazio. He is young compared to the average age of coaches in our league, so he can stil grow. He is different from other coaches I’ve worked with in the past, and that’s the way it should be. He advocates open, spectacular football that entertains. But we are Inter: entertainment must go hand in hand with victories; otherwise, playing well serves no purpose.”
Will you be active in the transfer market in January? Taremi is mentioned as a target.
“I don’t think so. But we are Inter, and we are always attentive to every situation. And I want to say one thing: in the past, players were hesitant to join Inter, but now many want to come. Last summer, we had to turn down several players. Thuram, Sommer, and Pavard chose us, which means Inter is considered credible.”
The next seasonal break is in mid-November; where will Inter be?
“I don’t know, but today, it’s better to be the hunters than the prey. Tactically, I prefer it that way.”
