Sport

Erick Thohir: Everyone at Inter is under scrutiny

Milan-Inter Milan president Erick Thohir is considering an overhaul of players and staff if the season does not end well. After a poor start to 2014, Inter is firmly in the race for a Europa League spot.
 
The Nerazzurri are sixth in Serie A after losing for the first time in seven matches over the weekend, but Thohir said no-one's job was secure for next season. including coach Walter Mazzarri's.
 
"They are all, including the players, under exam," Thohir said in an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's right to have confidence in everyone, but also right that everyone is up to the job."
 
Thohir is planning to invest in the offseason, especially on a striker, and is looking to sign big names such as Edin Dzeko from Manchester City, Fernando Torres of Chelsea, and Alvaro Morata of Real Madrid, who are all expected to leave their respected clubs.
 
"One of those three could arrive," the Indonesian businessman said. "But they would have to fit our technical, economic and marketing parameters.
 
"It's not a given that we have to see off one of our big players to sign a champion. In fact, at the end of the season we will lower our salary ceiling a lot. And we could also take someone on loan, which means we wouldn't have to see off one of our best players."
 
Inter has already made one signing, with Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic arriving on a free transfer for next season. The club could also sign another defender, with Thohir admitting interest in Bacary Sagna, who has yet to agree on a new deal with Arsenal and is reportedly in talks with Inter.
 
"I'm not used to making announcements if there is not a signed contract," he said. "I can only say that we like Sagna and that at this point everything depends only on him."
 
Thohir bought a majority stake in Inter in October and took over the presidency the following month, ending Massimo Moratti's 18-year spell in charge. The 43-year-old Thohir is part owner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and MLS club DC United. He is chairman of the Mahaka Group, which has business interests in media and entertainment. (rep05)