|
|
Stramaccioni targets Champions League place
Mar 9, 2013 8:03:00 PM
The Inter coach has admitted that the aim for his side is to make a return to the Champions League, but he acknowledged that it will not be an easy target to hit
Andrea Stramaccioni has spoken of his Inter side's desire to qualify for the Champions League, claiming that it is the team's main target for the season.The Nerrazzuri have been disappointing so far this term under Stramaccioni, lying fourth in Serie A, four points adrift off the third Champions League qualification place.
They have also failed to perform to a high level in the Europa League, after a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in their first leg.
However, the Italian coach insisted that his side remained fully focused on their target.
“Inter are Inter and compete for every objective, but from the first day we’ve known the club’s real target was to get back into the Champions League," Strammacioni told a press conference.
The 37-year-old continued: “It is only normal there are going to be difficulties. This season has seen ups and downs, but until the injury crisis set in we were a point off the leaders. We’ve had numerous problems that affected our campaign, though we don’t want to use them as an alibi.
“We are building for the future here, both in the current side and on the transfer market. You can’t put everything up for debate at the first defeat.
The Inter boss then moved to defend Antonio Cassano following allegations that the enigmatic forward is overweight, disillusioned and unfocused.
“Cassano is not overweight. In his last tests, he was in line with our projections," added Stramaccioni.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
-
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
-
Now or never for Wenger to seal legacy
The Gunners sealed a place in next season's Champions League with victory at Newcastle on Sunday - and must now spend money to improve the squad over the summer
-
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
-
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season
