Antonio Conte plays down his tirade about Inter Milan squad

Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has played down his tirade about his squad after they threw away a two-goal lead against Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

The Nerazzurri manager criticised the depth of his squad and suggested the players at his disposal lack the strength of character and knowhow to win trophies after his side lost 3-2 in the Champions League tie. 

And now Conte has explained what he was trying to achieve from his post-match comments on Tuesday night.

‘It wasn’t a post-match rant but simply a constructive address,’ he said in his press conference ahead of Inter’s clash against Verona on Saturday.

‘Some mistakes were made, but I didn’t want to single anyone out. I don’t know if the board understood it, but I’m here to change what’s happened to this club over the last nine years.

‘We do everything to improve ourselves, we can do better because we’re Inter. Behind closed doors, directors are the first to recognise that something could’ve been done better at the start of the season.

Conte’s Inter Milan side threw away two-goal lead at Borussia Dortmund in Champions League

‘We need to reflect constructively. If there are many competitions, it’s normal and it can happen.

‘We need to be aware of certain situations, but I have faith in my players. They’re doing extraordinary things and are in a great deal of difficulty.

‘They’re giving their souls. In the future, they might achieve big things and raise the bar even further.

‘I’m sorry if someone feels I’m wrong when I speak at times, but there’s always a strategy behind it.’

Conte has explained what he was trying to achieve from his post-match comments on Tuesday