De Boer wants to cut out ´naive´ Inter errors

Frank de Boer says Inter can lead a charge up the Serie A table, as long as they cut out “naive” mistakes in defence.

Inter have conceded the first goal in all bar one of their games under the Dutchman this season, but impressive powers of recovery have resulted in three Serie A wins, leaving them ninth.

A 2-1 victory over Juventus in September proved Inter’s big-game credentials, although their ambitions were dented by defeat to Roma before the international break.

And De Boer is determined to serve a response when the Nerazzurri host Cagliari on Sunday.

“We analysed everything with the staff and must start playing before the 20th minute. When we are able to avoid these blackouts, we will make some steps forward,” he said. 

“We can’t keep losing possession in such a naive fashion, especially in dangerous areas of the pitch. These are errors that must be avoided.”

Despite the defensive concerns, De Boer simply wants Inter to perform better in their current system, which he sees no reason to change.

“We must improve, but we always want to win against any opponent,” he added.

“Against sides like Juventus the game is going to be more open, but there are fewer spaces with the smaller clubs. It makes it difficult for us, but the important thing is that we have patience.

“Roma and Napoli have their style of football and do not change it. We didn’t change our approach even against Juventus, so why should we modify it against other teams?

“We must win to stay close to the leading group. I have a lot of faith in my players. It hasn’t been easy for us to remain a united block because there were gaps between the various elements, but I talked to my players and they understood it’s important to stay tight.”