Football
9y

Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri won't change his ways

Inter Milan coach Walter Mazzarri said he will not go changing a habit of a lifetime, even in the face of fierce criticism.

The former Reggina, Sampdoria and Napoli coach is currently enduring the most difficult time of his coaching career. Many Inter fans have already turned their back on him with calls for him to be dismissed growing in volume at the San Siro in recent weeks.

Prior to Inter's last home game against Sampdoria, the stadium announcer chose not to read out his name to save him from a chorus of boos, yet Mazzarri says he is still the man acclaimed for the achievements at his former clubs and that nothing will alter his ways.

"My coaching methods have been the same forever," he said at a news conferenceĀ on the eve of the Nerazzurri's Europa League tie at St. Etienne. "I'm like a father to a family of players. I use the carrot and stick method. Sometimes I get angry, sometimes I pay compliments.

"I've always behaved the very same way and the criticism isn't going to change me, nor does it interest me."

It may interest him if Inter lose in France on Thursday night and the calls for him to be dismissed for the first time in his coaching career -- he has previously only left clubs of his own accord at the end of seasons -- grow in magnitude, though the coach remains confident of his future.

"I've never even given [being sacked] any consideration," he said. "I just coach the players the best I can always. They know what I want and they always try to do it, and they will do it tomorrow too."

After facing St. Etienne, Inter come up against Hellas Verona at the weekend before travelling to rivals AC Milan for the derby. November concludes with a trip to Roma, by which time Mazzarri's future at the club should be a little clearer after some stern tests.

"We're used to it," added Mazzarri, 53. "People always give it 120 percent when they play against us, which is why we've also always got to be on top of our game, and I've told the lads this."

^ Back to Top ^