Post by Taxigirl on Nov 9, 2003 10:57:55 GMT
There will be changes in the Inter line-up to take on Ancona, including a replacement for the injured Alvaro Recoba.
“It is a shame that Recoba had to interrupt his season after finally finding some consistency,” noted Alberto Zaccheroni, “but we have great potential and different characteristics in Julio Cruz and Obafemi Martins.”
The Uruguayan international damaged his ankle during the midweek 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Moscow, but that game highlighted the increasing tension between Christian Vieri and the fans.
“I keep reading about some alleged problem we have with Vieri, but I can assure you there is no such issue. The only people who have problems with Vieri are his opponents.”
The Nerazzurri are currently unbeaten since Zaccheroni took over, but their performances have not particularly improved from the Hector Cuper era.
“Confidence comes with results,” continued the former Milan Coach, “and for the first two games we had the right attitude of a winning team.”
Inter will be expected to easily beat relegation strugglers Ancona at the San Siro, but Zaccheroni warns against lacking in respect.
“Ancona are improving and are unbeaten in two games. They proved that with the arrival of new Coach Nedo Sonetti they stepped up a level psychologically and can afford to pack the midfield.”
Zac’s tactics differ wildly from Cuper’s 4-4-2 system and he admits the change in mentality has not yet sunk in.
“You win games with goals and in my view the more attacking players on the field, the more likely you are to score. Before I can do that, I need the team structure to sustain it.”
Andy van der Meyde also returns from an injury lay-off and will have to change his position to fit the new tactics.
“He is more than capable of pushing up and defending,” mused Zaccheroni, “but I see him working well as part of the trident attack, providing a link to the midfield.”
Inter squad:
Gk: Toldo, Fontana
D: J Zanetti, Cordoba, Helveg, Adani, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Brechet, Pasquale, Coco
M: Emre, C Zanetti, van der Meyde, Lamouchi, Luciano, Farinos, Kily Gonzalez, Almeyda
F: Cruz, Vieri, Martins