Ranieri seeks to turn around Inter´s fortunes

Inter coach-in-waiting Claudio Ranieri says his top priority will be to work on the squad’s mental strength after a winless start to the season.

Ranieri is expected to be confirmed as the new coach of Inter on Thursday, following the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini 24 hours earlier in the wake of a disappointing series of results.

The 59-year-old is set to be installed in the dugout of the world club champions for this Saturday’s away clash with Bologna.

After Inter’s 3-1 defeat at Novara, club president Massimo Moratti said he felt Gasperini had no control over the players as the team failed to win any of their five official games in all competitions.

And Ranieri said that only by lifting the players’ spirits can the team’s fortunes be turned around.

“I think I will need to talk a lot with the squad, the mental aspect is very important,” he told RAI Sport.

“Inter are a great team, we have to pick up the pace after this false start. The players are there and we have everything to lift the team.”

Gasperini was the subject of much criticism for employing a 3-4-3 system, and Ranieri has hinted that Inter may return to a four-man defence under him.

“For me, every system can bring victories, if Inter have always played in a specific way, there must be a reason,” he said.

“Gasperini had every right to try to execute his ideas, he tried to make his system work with all his strength, but without success. I do not think he can be criticised, he tried to implement his ideas until the end.”

The former Chelsea and Juventus boss was extremely coy when asked about his goals for the team.

“I do not like to promise things, I want the best from these players, who have so much to give,” he said.