Antonio Conte is unsure whether he will remain in charge of Inter next season. The Italian watched his side suffer a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Sevilla yesterday and the Nerazzurri will end the season trophyless despite having spent a fair amount of money in the market. Speaking after yesterday’s loss, Conte said:
“Now we have to get back to Milan, will take two or three days off, then with cool heads will meet. It’s only right that we analyse the entire season, look at everything in a very calm way, and try to plan the future of Inter, whether it’s with or without me. I don’t know. We worked hard, it was a very tough season in many ways. So it’s only right to take a little rest, face the situations and make the decision that is best for Inter.
There is absolutely no bitterness. There might be different views on things, but we’ll evaluate everything. It has been difficult and we’ll figure things out. It has been wonderful for me to be the coach of Inter, I thank the owners who allowed me to go through this great experience. If I can say one thing: it was worth it and I will always thank those who gave me the opportunity to have this experience.”
Prior to yesterday’s final, Conte was reported to have fallen out with a number of board members at the club including the president; Mr Steven Zhang. Should Conte lose his job, Massimiliano Allegri is the likeliest candidate to pick up the mantle.
After Friday’s game in Cologne, Inter president Steven Zhang did little to ease fears over the future of the 51-year-old. “He and his staff, together with the players and all the other members of the club are doing a great job,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Now the players and the staff will rest, because they deserve it, and then we will plan for the future.
We want to improve next season. The balance of this season is very positive. We are on a path that has allowed us to get to the final. All of us, on and off the pitch, are doing a great job and are heading in the right direction. Winning or losing is part of football, but getting to the final makes us optimistic for the future.”
