Roberto Mancini concedes his team needed “more aggression” against Lazio, but insists the Jose Mourinho rumours are not a problem.
As Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Cagliari earlier this evening, Inter had the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points.
However, they too stalled 1-1 against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, so the four points remain intact.
“A victory would have been better, as it would’ve given us more breathing room, but the advantage remains pretty big and the number of games left is reduced to seven,” said the Coach.
“I think this coming week and the next will be decisive.”
The Nerazzurri were leading at half-time thanks to a Hernan Crespo tap-in, but Tommaso Rocchi sprung the offside trap to equalise.
“When we were able to play then we got the goal and went close to more. If only we had more clinical finishing and aggression then we could have gone 2-0 up.
“I think David Suazo was halted for a similar offside position as Rocchi’s goal, but that time the linesman raised his flag. In any case, I think Rocchi was offside.”
The last few hours have been particularly tense for Mancini, as reports were flying around Europe – including quotes from Mourinho’s spokesman – that negotiations with Inter were at an advanced stage.
“These don’t affect me,” assured the Nerazzurri boss. “The important thing is to work in a relaxed atmosphere in these weeks to recover players and our overall form.
“The club and I have clarified the situation, there is absolutely no problem between us.”
