Ausilio: "Pioli has the whole club’s backing"

MILAN – Around half an hour before Inter’s home game against Napoli, Piero Ausilio was interviewed by Mediaset Premium.

When asked about what Chairman Jindong Zhang had to say, the sporting director said: "It shows that there’s a close connection between the ownership and the club’s management, coach and players.

"When the chairman comes to Milan, he always gives us his support. He transmits strength, energy, not only for the present but the future also. We need to find the right mindset and show the desire to fight for the full 90 minutes, to help each other and to never give up," he added.

Regarding the reports of Ausilio’s lunch with Gabriele Oriali, he said: "So much has been conjured up on the basis of this meeting. I have lots of lunches – I have a lot of friends. I had the pleasure of working with Lele, he’s a good friend. Might he come back to Inter? I’m the sporting director so I deal with players – I don’t have that power. We’ll see what happens."

And when asked about the future of Stefano Pioli, the sporting director emphasised the support the coach has at the club.

"Questions were asked about his future following nine straight wins. Results have changed but that can’t alter the way you view six months of work. Assessments are to be made at the end of the season, but Pioli has everything to remain Inter coach. He’s got the support of the entire club."

Finally, on Ivan Perisic being left out of the starting line-up, he commented: "I’ve heard people talk about it being a tactical decision but that’s not that case.

"Ivan has barely trained this week. He was suffering from fatigue and only trained with the rest of the squad yesterday. It would have been a risk to pick him from the outset. He’s on the bench and available should he be needed during the match. In his place we have Eder, another important player. He’s an Italian national team player and will have a chance to show his worth."