Andrea Stramaccioni says he will continue to keep faith with his battle-hardened veterans as long as they maintain their performance levels.
Since taking over from Claudio Ranieri a month ago, the young coach has restored some of Inter Milan's veterans to the starting line-up in a bid to rescue a disastrous season.
Although they trail third-placed Lazio by six points with as many games remaining, Stramaccioni still believes a Champions League finish is possible.
And he insists that he is picking players on merit and not because of their standing at the club.
"The senators don't play because they have written Inter's history but because, for example, (Esteban) Cambiasso is the best inside-left midfielder I can pick," said Stramaccioni.
"Honestly I respect what these players have done but I pick those who can do the best."
Those same players guided Inter to Champions League glory two years ago and the 36-year-old coach is hoping they will propel the team into next season's competition.
"You have to start from the acknowledgement that I was asked to win games and I want to help the team to qualify for the Champions Legaue," he said.
"We've never hidden and I haven't set any targets but we're trying.
"Since I arrived here at Inter I've worked with players who until now I could only watch on television or hidden behind a hedge.
"Now my aim is to pick the best Inter without looking at anyone's identity cards."
Source: AFP
