Inter, Zhang at dinner with Inzaghi and the managers

How time goes by, how scenarios change. The last time Steven Zhang set foot in Appiano Gentile was on 22 May, the day before the Scudetto party with Udinese. That day the president clarified to Antonio Conte the club’s market plans and the need for self-financing: in fact, that’s where the divorce took place. There was tension, nothing but tricolor joy. Think about it, it’s better now. Now that Zhang has returned to Pinetina, to embrace Simone Inzaghi, charge the team and start talking about programs with the managers.

Congratulations

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It all happened last night, in the abundant two hours of the blitz announced by the Nerazzurri number one. When he arrived – it was 7.45 pm – the team was already in the restaurant. A quick nod to the players, but later he would greet, hug and encourage one by one. Then Zhang sat down to dinner with Inzaghi and the entire management: the two were present to Marotta and Antonello, the ds Ausilio and the deputy Baccin, as well as the head of communication Pedinotti. Zhang complimented the team and the coaching staff: “I’m sorry I wasn’t here with you before, we’re finally here. I renew my congratulations on what you are doing on the pitch, you are honoring the club – it was the sense of his words -. Difficult commitments await us, but I am sure that all together we will be up to it. ” The meaning of the message is clear, it holds pride in a winter champion team but at the same time the desire to push the team beyond the obstacle of next month, of a complicated calendar, of a restart that puts them in line in one week Lazio, Juventus and Atalanta, therefore scudetto and Supercoppa race in quick succession.

With the new ones

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The president, who came to Appiano in sneakers, sweatshirt and sports trousers, then met the new players in person: Dzeko first of all, then Dumfries and Correa, not Calhanoglu who had already left the retreat in the afternoon (for today’s match he is disqualified ). Much has already been written about the relationship with Inzaghi, it was the technician himself who told it in the Gazzetta before Christmas. Yesterday the two dined side by side, the first real contact in person since the signing of the coach’s contract. And Zhang did not fail to give Inzaghi credit for the work he did. The relationship between the two is direct, unfiltered. And there are several things that recognize each other: the opportunity to coach a top club, Simone to Steven. And the public profile held on each occasion, Steven to Simone. Later the coach’s contract will be revised and extended: it will take place calmly, but the ending of the story is not in question.

And Brozo signs

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Then the president talked to the full management. It was an opportunity to also mention the club’s programs: retirement and a pre-match were not the ideal scenario to go into details, for that there will be an ad hoc meeting in the next few days, starting from tomorrow. However, the president was satisfied with how the company was managed: this is why everything leads us to believe that in the next few days the contract extensions of the entire technical area will be formalized. The market discussion was just touched upon at the end of the courses. Zhang wants to be made aware of the movements and everything will happen soon. And on the other hand, the executives will also understand with greater certainty the room for maneuver on this session and on the type of investments for the future: Digne, Kostic, Ginter, Luiz Felipe, in addition to the renewal of Brozovic which will be announced in the coming days. Yesterday Zhang’s mission was simply to be close to the team, which he found motivated, convinced of his own means and certainly more relaxed, compared to the moments of tension he experienced in May. Tonight the president will be present at the San Siro, on Wednesday he will do an encore in the Super Cup against Juventus. He is hunting for the second trophy under his management: it is not a business card, it is the desire to win.