Pioli: "We’re at the start of a journey"

MILAN – Stefano Pioli has insisted that his Inter side are still at the beginning of their journey, despite sealing a fifth straight win over Chievo Verona on Saturday.

"We’ve done a lot of hard work and I think we’ve done it well," Pioli told Rai 2 programme Domenica Sportiva on Sunday night. "That said, we’re only at the start of our journey and we have to look to overhaul some great sides who are performing well. We need to take it game by game and try to win as many of them as we can. Unfortunately, third place is not just down to us."

Pioli also spoke about his passion for the Nerazzurri – and of course his appointment as Inter boss.

"I got into Serie A by watching Inter play. It’s always been an ambition of mine, a dream. Now it’s come true. How did I convince the owners? I was very clear about my ideas on the team and on the potential I believed the squad could live up to. I was myself and I’m very pleased that they chose me.

"The owners are right behind us and make sure we can feel their support every day, with Steven Zhang and Jun Liu around every day. We’re in constant contact with the other directors too. Jindong Zhang has great charisma and always puts important ideas across. He motivates us and we hope to have him here more and more often. It is great for a coach to have a club that supports him and a group of players who take responsibility and show willing. I have both of those things here and that makes my job easier."

The Inter boss was keen to bat away questions about transfer business: "We’re going to do a few things in terms of outgoings, but then we’ll be set."

Pioli was also asked about a few players in particular.

"I’ve always thought Candreva is a great professional. He’s extremely motivated and performing very well. Gagliardini is full of energy – he’s got good physical presence and a great sense of positioning. I’m convinced he can become a complete midfielder and an important player for both Inter and the Italian national team.

"Icardi is working very hard and that sends out an important message to his team-mates. His record speaks for itself. He’s a fantastic centre-forward, but given his young age he can still improve. Kondogbia has the potential to be a complete midfielder. He needed that bit of confidence, but he’s shown willing and I think he’s improving.

"Joao Mario has the potential to be a great player. It’s his first year in Italy and our league is tactically complex. He has the legs to spark a change of tempo in a match, but he can improve on his final ball and shooting. He’s working on it and I’m sure that he’ll achieve big things."