Piotr Zielinski opened up about his free switch to Inter, his troublesome closing season with Napoli and the crew’s ambitions within the Champions League.
The 30-year-old Polish midfielder joined the Nerazzurri at first of final month after his contract expired with the Partenopei, placing pen to paper on a three-year take care of an possibility for a fourth value circa €4.5m web per season.
Zielinski proved himself to be one of many high midfielders in Serie A throughout his eight-year spell with Napoli, the place he scored 51 objectives and supplied 46 assists throughout 364 appearances. Throughout that point, he gained the Scudetto and one Coppa Italia title.
Zielinski interview
Talking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zielinski was first requested if he’s been given a nickname at Inter but.
“No, however the coach calls me ‘Ziello’. I prefer it, I’m getting used to it.”
He spoke about his early work with Simone Inzaghi.
“Wonderful, each with him and along with his workers, we already discuss quite a bit. In comparison with the previous, I’ve to work in another way once we don’t have the ball, however these are actions that you simply study a little bit at a time. I’ve by no means skilled so laborious earlier than, however that’s solely good, I’m positive I’ll see the results afterward.”
Zielinski mirrored on his first few days with Inter.
“The primary few days have been a bit advanced, all the pieces was new after which it’s not straightforward to alter after eight years. However I’ve to say that each day is getting higher and higher, I do know the surroundings a little bit extra, which is wholesome and so it’s straightforward to adapt.
“Earlier than I got here, I spoke to Arnautovic, I requested him for recommendation on all the pieces, he was proper to say that I would slot in instantly.”
He commented on the variations between Milan and Naples.
“I spent unforgettable years in Naples, I even purchased a home there shortly earlier than leaving, so I’ll return. Now it’s time to stay and uncover Milan, I’ve discovered lovely sunshine right here too!”
Zielinski defined why he determined to hitch Inter on a free switch.
“I had different choices, in Italy and overseas. There have been additionally golf equipment prepared to pay one thing in January, however wanting on the high quality of Inter’s gamers and the way in which they have been performed by Inzaghi, I believed it was the fitting place. I selected the mission with out doubts or ready.”
He was requested about any curiosity from Saudi Arabia.
“Once they have been searching for me, I thought of it for a day or two, however then I made a decision with my household to remain in Naples, there was some huge cash at stake, however I’m extra inquisitive about life.
“Now I can’t wait to play on the San Siro, which is famous, I scored there within the Azzurri jersey, now I wish to do it in a black and blue shirt.”
Zielinski mentioned the standard of Inter’s midfield.
“Ours is without doubt one of the greatest midfields in Europe. And now that I’ve arrived, it’s even stronger! Joking apart, once you performed in opposition to this midfield you instantly realised how intense, how full it was, as quickly as they lose the ball, they assault you.
“As for the competitors, I hope to play as many video games as doable, however what counts is to be prepared as a result of your second will come eventually.”
He spoke about what he provides to the division.
“My performs, of high quality, but in addition expertise as a result of at 30 years outdated I’ve seen all the pieces…. I wish to give Inter as many objectives and assists as doable.”
Zielinski was requested the place Inzaghi ranks up in comparison with his earlier coaches like Luciano Spalletti and Maurizio Sarri.
“I’d put Ancelotti there too. The id is analogous, that of taking part in the ball, holding possession, creating probabilities. A DNA that belongs to this Inter and in addition belonged to Napoli.”
He mirrored on Napoli’s difficulties final season.
“Final yr’s adverse season, I merely can’t clarify it. I don’t suppose it was solely right down to us gamers, however I can’t perceive why all of it went so incorrect.
“Let’s say that right here at Inter there’s extra behavior of successful, there’s no threat of getting too caught up within the enthusiasm and this can assist in repeating nice outcomes. All I see round me is a superb need to verify issues.”
Zielinski spoke about the true objectives of this Inter.
“Apart from the Scudetto, everybody’s dream can solely be the Champions League. There’s nothing higher for a participant, additionally as a result of the World Cup remains to be one thing unknown. It’s not unattainable for a crew able to making all of it the way in which to the ultimate and possessing a lot high quality.”
He was requested if this Nerazzurri have been the strongest crew he’s performed in.
“It’s nonetheless too early to reply, however they’re actually sturdy, simply have a look at how superior they have been final yr. Then that successful skeleton was joined by me, Taremi, Martinez…
“I don’t know if it was higher or worse, however even Sarri’s Napoli that got here near the Scudetto and Spalletti’s Napoli have been spectacular. For me, nevertheless, the successes of tomorrow are at all times extra necessary than these of yesterday.”
Zielinski gave his ideas on Mehdi Taremi.
“ man. Well mannered and calm, he has the fitting head of a champion, he’s solely centered on scoring objectives. The factor that impressed me, aside from his physique and skill to defend the ball, is his coolness. When he will get in entrance of the objective, he at all times shoots it in.”
He spoke about his fellow midfielders.
“Calha is pure precision, his qualities in taking pictures and dribbling are apparent, however what impresses is the defensive section, the aggression, the operating.
“Barella is aware of how you can do all the pieces completely, after which what footballing intelligence does Mkhitaryan have! It’s no coincidence that at his age he’s nonetheless so match and has performed for thus many nice groups. A man like that you simply watch to study.”
Zielinski touched on how he’ll should combat for his probability.
“This yr there’ll be extra matches, it’ll be very lengthy, however I reiterate that I simply should be… warmed up.”
He was requested if he minds altering shirt numbers, contemplating that Hakan Calhanoglu has his quantity 20.
“I’ve at all times been proud of it, however it’s actually not an obsession. It’s proper for Hakan to maintain it, I requested if seven was free after which I took it. It’s a pleasant quantity, my father used it, and my brother preferred it too. I’ll have to purchase a number of shirts to offer away.”
Zielinski weighed in on Italy’s work at Euro 2024.
“I used to be stunned as a result of I knew the standard of the gamers and the coach, who stays excellent. All of us anticipated one other Italy, however soccer is usually unpredictable. I hope the Azzurri will return to their stage and I’ve little question it can occur instantly.”
He seemed forward to his first match in opposition to Napoli.
“I’m already getting excited, will probably be completely different however nice. The Neapolitans love me, as I like them. I defended their colors with all my coronary heart. Now I’ve to do the identical with the brand new followers, that’s why I’ll do all the pieces for Inter to win.”
Lastly, Zielinski spoke concerning the Paris Olympics.
“I can’t miss it! Too unhealthy to your Paolini, who by the way in which additionally has Polish origins, and our Swiatek. The most effective tennis pal, nevertheless, stays Ubi Hurkacz, who sadly just isn’t in Paris. Now the most effective can be an Italy-Poland closing for volleyball gold, we might have enjoyable there.”
