Conte has faith in Inter amid Ibrahimovic links
Inter Milan does not need to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic to challenge in the UEFA Champions League and close the gap on Juventus in Serie A, according to Antonio Conte.
After going unbeaten in their opening seven matches under coach Conte, the Nerazzurri have lost their past two fixtures — against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League before going down 2-1 to Juve prior to the international break.
Injuries to Stefano Sensi and Alexis Sanchez, meanwhile, have depleted Conte's squad heading into Monday's (AEDT) meeting with Sassuolo.
Former Inter striker Ibrahimovic, whose contract with LA Galaxy expires in December, has claimed he would be open to a return to Serie A, but Conte does not believe his side needs a player of the Swede's quality to push on.
"I do not talk about players that are not mine. It would not be respectful," Conte replied when asked if Inter could move for Ibrahimovic.
"I have respect for Ibra of course, he is a quality player. He has made history in this game.
"I respect him and rate him but it is not right to talk of others, also because I have lots of faith in my players and I have so much respect for my squad. We will get better and keep improving. From these setbacks against Juve and Barca we must come back stronger.
"We need to keep being consistent, we need consistency in displays and training, we must improve every day, this is what I want. If we do this we will take the next step.
"In every match there are areas to work on. We always analyse the good and the bad. We have highlighted areas to work on. I cannot expect miracles."
Sanchez had started promisingly for Inter since arriving on loan from Manchester United, but is now expected to miss up to three months after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Chile.
"I am upset to lose him. We are all disappointed," Conte said.
"He is a player we thought was back to his best. He was doing well and I was pleased. Now he is injured, it is a real shame also for him.
"He arrived full of enthusiasm and was doing well. He was showing he is the Sanchez of old.
"However, he is now injured and that is part of the game, I had lots of injuries as a player, but each time you come back stronger."
