Conte: “Heads, hearts and legs to beat Genoa”

APPIANO GENTILE – Inter are set to play their final game of 2019 against Genoa at the Meazza on Saturday at 18:00 CET. Coach Antonio Conte spoke to the press at the Suning Training Centre on the eve of the matchday 17 clash and had the following to say:

“We had and still have one objective: to reach Christmas in the best possible way while remaining as high as possible. It’s been five months where, for many reasons, we’ve had to face big challenges. However, we’re dealing with them in the right manner. The group has taken responsibility and the players have understood that they need to increase the revs and give more.”

During this growth process, young players such as Agoumé and Esposito are also featuring: “They’ve had the chance to train with us: they’re young lads but have had the opportunity to make their debuts. They’re growing and have the potential to become part of Inter’s backbone for many years. I very much believe in them. I know that whoever takes to the pitch will always respond positively and show maximum commitment.”

On getting players back fit and the condition of the squad: “There’s still one training session left, we’ll assess things knowing that we were a bit short on cover anyway and, in addition to that, Brozovic and Lautaro are suspended. We’re in a bit of an emergency. We’ll deal with it safe in the knowledge that we’re giving our best, we’re sure that we’ll give our all to finish the year in the best way possible with the help of our fans. Sanchez is chomping at the bit to return, but the timetable put in place by the doctors needs to be respected. His injury was a blow, thankfully Lautaro and Lukaku have always been able to play and Esposito has developed.

“Finishing 2019 at the top of the table would be important for us and the whole atmosphere. I was very worried a while ago because we found ourselves in a situation where we were having to make forced choices, the same players were always playing and big risks were being taken. I said that we needed to reach Christmas in the best way possible. We’re almost there now and it’d be fantastic if we could manage to win against a Genoa side who need points in the league. They lost the derby but are a good team. We’ll take them on with our heads, hearts and legs.”