Italy

Inter's Branca backs Sneijder but cryptic on Dutchman's future

The Netherlands international has been heavily criticised for his poor performances of late by compatriot Marco van Basten and Nerazzurri legend Sandro Mazzola

Feb 23, 2012 2:45:00 AM

By Mark Doyle

More On : FC Internazionale, Internacional, Wesley Sneijder, Lucas Lima

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Inter director Marco Branca has leapt to the defence of Wesley Sneijder but declined the opportunity to reassure the club's supporters that the under fire attacking midfielder will still be at San Siro next season.

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The injury-plagued Sneijder has been out of sorts this season and his attitude has been called into question by both Marco van Basten and Sandro Mazzola.

However, Branca feels that the Dutchman deserves some leeway given that he has been in and out of the Nerazzurri treatment room this term.

"Sneijder's season, like [Diego] Forlan's, has been affected by a series of injuries,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“He's played the last few games and he hasn't been far off the level of his team-mates.

“Van Basten spoke very well of him from a technical point of view but had a few things to say about his performances. I don't agree.

“In this period everyone feels they have the right to pass judgement on Inter's players, on our games, on the future, on building a team, on the team's age, on all sorts of things.

“I say that Wes is a great player. Then of course players must prove that game in game out, everyone knows that, we know it and Wesley knows it too."

However, when asked to comment on Sneijder's future with the Nerazzurri, Branca offered a cryptic riposte.

"It is always important that kids do well, especially for Inter," he mused. "If anyone wants to move, we will evaluate [the situation], but it is essential that we do right by us."

Meanwhile, Branca revealed that they have already identified a number of potential signings for next season and admitted that they are monitoring Internacional's Lucas.

"We're not following only him; we're following many players," he explained. "We'll then need to see if there will be time and sufficient economic opportunities for certain deals."

Inter, who face Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday night, have dropped to seventh in Serie A on the back of a run of five games without a win in the league.

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