Leonardo keeps faith in Inter

Under-fire coach Leonardo was a relieved man after his Inter Milan team defeated Chievo 2-0 on Saturday.

Inter went into the match still reeling from two damaging defeats in quick succession.

First, the team lost a top-of-the-table derby against AC Milan 3-0 to slip five points off the pace in the Serie A title race.

Then on Tuesday they went down 5-2 at home to Schalke in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The costly reverses saw Leonardo come in for a storm of criticism from supporters and the media alike.

While his position remains precarious, goals from Esteban Cambiasso and Maicon in the second half at the San Siro saw the team return to winning ways at Chievo’s expense.

“They were two important defeats, but our initial objectives have not changed,” Leonardo said.

“We are still there in the Serie A table, while there is a second leg to play in the Champions League. This was a crucial step forward and I maintain my optimism.”

“Chievo played well and it was tough for us to break through after those two defeats. I try to keep fear aside and not think about it. We could’ve taken the lead earlier, but did well to hold on to our concentration.”

“We are thinking of every aspect and I maintain my optimism on everything. In my view, it is possible. We’ll see how we are doing on the night, but I believe.”