Kharja quality no surprise, says Leonardo

Inter Milan coach Leonardo has hailed the influence of new loan signing Houssine Kharja, who scored in his side’s 3-1 win over Bari on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Moroccan international midfielder joined Inter on loan from Genoa during the January transfer window and Leonardo said the Paris St Germain product had already made a positive impression at the club.

“I’ve known him for a long time, he has been in Italy for long time – he was born in Paris,” Leonardo said.

“What has been really positive is his response; you may know what a player is able to do and to give so much, but there is usually a period of assessment, whereas he has entered the pitch and given the right answer – this has been really extraordinary.”

“The team is now offering many possibilities. This is something good and this is what we wanted. We’ll decide match by match.”

With Inter – who trail Serie A leaders AC Milan by five points with a game in hand – facing a crunch game against fellow title contenders Roma on Sunday, Leonardo said this season was one of the toughest in recent years.

“I think this is one of the most difficult championships of the last few years, since all teams are holding very close positions in the rankings and it’s very difficult to achieve results,” he said.

“I’m very satisfied with the team since we have achieved a series of positive results which have allowed us to be part of the teams battling to win the championship.”

“But the battle is not between two teams, but among four or five teams and everything can still happen.”