Cambiasso praises Mazzarri's tactical knowledge

Milan, Nov 15 (IANS) Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has cited manager Walter Mazzarri’s tactical knowledge as the key to the Nerrazzuri’s success this season.

Inter Milan are presently fourth in Serie A, just three points adrift of third-placed Napoli and a Champions League spot, and have performed better than last season where they finished ninth, a position which saw Andrea Stramaccioni axed and replaced by Napoli tactician Mazzarri, reports Xinhua.

Cambiasso believes that Mazzarri’s strength is his tactical system.

“Compared to the other coaches we had – well, maybe Gian Piero Gasperini, but he didn’t have much time – Mazzarri is someone who has his system of play,” said the midfielder.

“He adapts his players to this system that he’s believed in for 12 years.”

“The other coaches adapted their idea of the game to the players they had, so perhaps they struggled more.

“Mazzarri knows his right-winger does this, that his central midfielder does that and he is much more loyal to his past experiences and his beliefs about the game.

“It’s not a question of authority or the lack thereof, or that before we didn’t have it but now we do. It’s a tactical issue. I believe Mazzarri’s teams have always had their own precise identity,” he added.

The Argentine said Inter have set a high target this season.

“We’re aiming as high as possible,” he said. “We’re hungry to do well and in a club like this that means finishing as high as you can.

“I’m certainly not the type to say exactly where we’ll finish, but I can say we’ll give everything we have,” he added.