Beppe Marotta points out Paris Saint-Germain recovered from a bad Champions League start, but also warns Inter ‘absolutely must do better’ as they visit Bologna in Serie A today, and trusts owners Oaktree.
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
This has been a traumatic few days for the Nerazzurri, who not only suffered a shock 4-3 home defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League, but also lost captain Lautaro Martinez for a month to a thigh strain.
Benjamin Pavard also joins Curtis Jones and John Stones on the treatment table, so changes are forced for this traditionally difficult fixture.
Inter are joint top of the Serie A table with Lazio, but the Champions League record is a huge worry, now losing both their matches after crashing out early last season in the play-offs to Bodo/Glimt.
Marotta wants better from Inter
“Those clubs who until recently were in the third or fourth tier of the Champions League have improved their football culture, which means they are more organised, well-prepared, and consequently they are no pushovers,” Inter President Marotta told DAZN Italia.
“If you look at the statistics, last season Paris Saint-Germain lost the first three games, recovered to get into the play-offs, and went on to win the trophy. Clearly, we need to learn from these two defeats, analyse what went wrong, and try to improve going forward.”
Josep Martinez was subjected to more criticism after the Club Brugge defeat, but is the problem wider than the goalkeeper and depend on the defence giving him greater protection?
“This question is for the coach, who has the duty and responsibility of setting out the team, but we have always shown full faith in our players and Cristian Chivu evaluates the players up close throughout the week, so knows better than us all what form they are in.
“A club must also push players to give their best, there is always margin for improvement, and we absolutely must do better.”
The Stadio Dall’Ara has bad memories for Inter, who have won only one of their last five trips here, including results that cost them the Scudetto.
There are reports that some Qatari investors are eager to get involved in Inter and their patrons Oaktree.
“I run the club, this is not part of my purview, but I can say Oaktree have shown with action and words that Inter are in good hands. They invested in the training ground and the stadium, we are in solid hands.
“I don’t know what decision they will make, but they do make decisions for the best of Inter, considering the past, present and future of this club.”