There is growing anxiety at Inter over the club’s start to 2019 and coach Luciano Spalletti is reportedly under pressure to deliver a trophy this season or face the consequences.
Inter have began the new year in indifferent form, drawing 0-0 with Sassuolo, before being beaten 1-0 by Torino as the pressure is starting to mount.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the coach’s position was something that was discussed on Monday night at Carlo Cracco’s restaurant in central Milan as the club hierarchy dined out to reflect on the current situation.
Steven Zhang and co have asked for an explanation on recent results and the atmosphere in the dressing room, with the delicate situation concerning the president so much that he has cancelled his trip to Asia for Chinese New Year on February 5 to deal with things in Italy.
Given Inter’s strong position in third place in the Serie A table, Spalletti’s position isn’t immediately being called into question as it is vital for them to secure Champions League qualification once more.
However, the president repeatedly reiterated his desire for the club to lift a trophy this year, something that is well known among the players and coach, who last year signed a contract extension until 2021.
But it may not be enough for Spalletti to simply achieve the minimum goal of a top four finish and guarantee Champions League football next season and they may have to step up and win a trophy or at least go very close to doing so and show that they are on the right track for picking up honours.
Inter face Lazio in the Coppa Italia this week in one tournament that offers them an avenue to success, while they take on Rapid Vienna in the Europa League.
Both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho have had their names linked to the Beneamata if the club did decide to part ways with the ex-Roma tactician.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com