De Boer: 'Inter raise game with Roma'
By Football Italia staff
Frank de Boer expects Inter to be motivated and focused against Roma tomorrow night. “We can replicate the performance against Juventus.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Nerazzurri have been infuriating inconsistent, able to beat Juventus only to lose both Europa League ties to Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Sparta Prague.
Above all, they have conceded the first goal in seven of their eight competitive games so far this season.
“We talked about this and we cannot have the same attitude we saw in Prague,” said De Boer in his Press conference.
“This is the only problem, that the match must begin before the starting whistle, in fact a good day before. We must concentrate before the game, as when the referee blows his whistle it is already too late to begin. We must change.
“Against Roma it may well be easy to have the right attitude, because it’s a big match. I just want to see a team that is concentrated the same way against all opponents, not just the big ones.
“It’s possible to replicate the performance we showed against Juventus. All my players are ready. I always talk to my players about improving, as it’s not a problem for me when they make a mistake. The problem is when their minds are not open to understanding why and fixing it.”
This seems like a direct jibe at Geoffrey Kondogbia, who De Boer hauled off during the first half of a 1-1 draw with Bologna, later complaining he “doesn’t listen.”
Roma are also inconsistent, as they lost two of their last three Serie A games, but crushed Astra Giurgiu 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.
“Roma are very strong in all areas of the field and have a lot of quality. It’s a great team and if we don’t have the right attitude, it’ll be very difficult against them. They have players who can make the difference at any moment.
“Francesco Totti is a great player, always capable of creating a goal out of nothing. He will be tough to mark and has a lot of experience. When he steps on to the field, the way Roma play changes.
“I think both sides want to win in Serie A and Europe. It’s just a matter of time before we both reach a good level. Roma can beat anyone on the right day.”
How has De Boer dealt with the constant criticism from the Italian Press?
“I have no problems with the media. When things go well and the Press criticises, it’s not a problem. We have our philosophy and it takes time. We are on the right track. It didn’t go well in Prague, but in training and other games it did.”
Marcelo Brozovic is welcomed back into the squad after apologising for his unprofessional behaviour and ranting about it on social media.
“It’s not just Brozovic, as all my players must realise that social media is very important and also very dangerous. They must understand when they can use Instagram or Facebook.
“At this moment, in my view, it is not right to use them. For example, an Ajax goalkeeper published a photo during half-time and that’s not right. You need concentration, regardless of the opponent.”
With the Europa League performances, is there a risk of creating a disconnect between first choice players and reserves?
“We want to win always, but at certain moments I must decide what is best for the team. I verify in training how they are physically and right now they are not ready to play every three days. From January onwards, everyone can play every three days.”
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