Handanovic: "I always want to play in matches like the #DerbyMilano"

APPIANO GENTILE - With just four days remaining until the #DerbyMilano, Samir  Handanovic today responded to questions live on Inter’s Facebook page and also on Inter TV. Supporters had sent in their queries via the Nerazzurri’s social media channels. 

The anticipation is growing for the fixture against Milan and the Slovenian shot-stopper had this to say in regard to the upcoming encounter: “For now everything is still normal, then when everyone returns from international duty we will start to focus on specifics in training and we’ll really start to work towards Sunday evening’s match. A lot of my teammates have picked up positive results with their respective national sides. This will give us an extra boost, although the important thing is that they return well rested and in good shape. I would always like to play matches of this calibre. As for who will make the difference in the derby, I hope that the entire team can do the business.”

So far this season the Nerazzurri defence have done performed extremely well: “Our defensive performance has improved and I think there are a lot of reasons for this. Merit obviously goes to the coach and his staff. We work well together as a defensive unit and everyone gives their own contribution. However, I do still we think we can improve. Modern football demands that everyone participates defensively and offensively in equal measure. The squad must always try to be sharp. In general I think that this year we will be more competitive. We must not place limits on what we can achieve.” 

As for some thoughts on being a goalkeeper, Handanovic stated that: “There have been lots of great goalkeepers here at Inter over the years and I’ve always said that I would like to continue this tradition. As a child I played outfield, although then I started to follow my cousin and I began to play in goal. My idol was Peter Schmeichel. As for life between the sticks, it is a great thing, even if you are sometimes far from the action. It is great playing in a derby when there is more motivation and excitement.” 

He then had this to say about his current coaches: “I owe a lot to my goalkeeping coach Adriano Bonaiuti. I already knew of Spalletti. He is very prepared and he can help us a lot. He is the right man for us.”

Lastly, Samir revealed some aspects of his private life: “I spend the majority of my free time with my family. I read a lot, I like to watch films and to play chess. I also watch a lot of football from across different leagues, while also following basketball. As for living in Italy, I’ve been here for almost 14 years and I feel at home. I even think in Italian…”