Mazzarri key to Hernanes switch

Hernanes has reiterated his desire to win trophies at Inter and revealed that coach Walter Mazzarri was a key factor in his switch.

Brazil midfielder Hernanes made the move to San Siro from Lazio on the final day of the January transfer window, signing for Mazzarri’s side on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 28-year-old links up with an Inter side in poor form, having slipped to sixth in Serie A and been dumped out of the Coppa Italia.

But the former Sao Paulo man is confident he can be successful with the 18-time Italian champions.

“As soon as I found out that Inter were interested in me I wanted to grab the chance,” Hernanes said at his official unveiling on Thursday.

“I’m convinced we can be very successful. Inter is a great team, there are plenty of quality players here.

“I want to win things and I think my team-mates, the coach and everyone else at the club does too.”

Inter are in the midst of a six-match winless run, the latest setback coming last Sunday as Mazzarri’s men were comfortably beaten 3-1 by leaders Juventus.

The former Napoli boss has come in for criticism as a result of Inter’s poor form, but Hernanes was quick to praise the 52-year-old and urged fans to be patient with the side.

“Mazzarri is a top coach,” Hernanes added. “He was one of the reasons for my choice. I know I can improve a lot under him.

“What are Inter lacking? There are quality players here and a great coach. It will just take a bit of time.”