TURIN – Inter leave Turin with an important point in the bag but Roberto Mancini was only half pleased after the game having seen his team produce only one good half.

“In the first period we struggled to get the measure of them. We only had about ten minutes when we did quite well, then after the break we did much better. It’s a decent point but I’m not completely happy because games last 90 minutes and in the first 45 we didn’t play as well as we should. Without the help of the strikers, it’s hard to stretch teams.”

The game seemed to change when the coach tinkered with the side’s tactical set-up. Was replacing Kuzmanovic with Podolski the key? “We had more control of the wide areas and they found it harder to push up, that’s all. After that we went on to create some good chances.”

On Hernanes: “In the second half he was playing in a position he doesn’t normally play in but once he finds his best form again he’ll be very important for us because he has fantastic ability.”

What positives are there to take? “I’m pleased because I know you can’t change things in a month but I think the players are showing lots of improvement. We just need to capitalise better on the chances we’re creating.”

Mancini was then quizzed on Shaqiri again: “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do things quickly, although as a coach that’s what you always want. Quality players are always useful. Look at Podolski: even though he’s not at his best, he gave us and he’ll give us a big hand. You need good players to win in football. You can’t win trophies without them.”

 

 

]]>