Kolarov: Mentally we have to be stronger than ever

The left-back, a summer signing from Manchester City, has made an instant impression for the Giallorossi - contributing goals and assists as Eusebio Di Francesco's side made a strong early start to the campaign.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia on Friday, the Serbian played down his bright start to life at the club - preferring to focus instead on helping the team get out of their more recent run of disappointing form, starting against Inter Milan on Sunday.

“The players have helped me, as has the manager, although I had the advantage of already knowing Italian football and the language – so adjusting to the dressing room has been easier," Kolarov said. "I am happy with my personal stats so far, but I would be even happier if the team had four or five points more.”

Read what else Kolarov had to say ahead of the second half of the campaign.

On the threat posed by Inter...

“Inter are a great side and we will go to the San Siro to play with our eyes open. From the mental side of things, an area where we sometimes are lacking, it’s easier to prepare for a game like this: I expect a great performance from everyone. In the reverse fixture we were 1-0 up and, despite dominating the entire game, we couldn’t find the second goal – and then they scored three. Now we have to show our response on Sunday.

"We are as strong as them but we must be focused for the entire 90 minutes, every ball is important. Our opponents have great players, so we must focus on all the details.”

On defending against Mauro Icardi...

“It’s not just about Icardi – Inter have other great players, otherwise they wouldn’t be playing there. I'd rather look at my teammates and at myself, though: I try to do everything I can to help my teammates, to support them and help us win. Who is better between Icardi and Dzeko? I like Dzeko more.”

On staying focused...

“Up until a month ago we had done pretty well in all respects: we were in the top four, we had qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League. Only in the last three games have we been missing something. Blips like this happen in football, mentally we have to be even stronger, even better. You can win playing badly as well.

"Against a side like Sassuolo you need to win, even with eight or nine men, because they are not as strong in comparison to us. That is where we need to make the leap in quality. Sunday would be the right game to do that. Winning in Milan would make everything better.”

On Radja Nainggolan...

“He’s a very important player for us. He knows he was in the wrong and I don’t think he will do it again, especially because it wasn’t a good thing for him, even before we think about us or the club. Radja is a great guy and I think with two goals on Sunday everything will be forgiven and forgotten.”

On the Champions League...

“Qualifying for the Champions League is our aim, the sides ahead of us are strong but we need to make sure we finish among the first four – and then if there is the chance to finish higher than that, all the better. For me it is important to qualify for the Champions League, to play in the best competition there is. We have made a few mistakes recently, but we are still firmly in the hunt and I am confident we will finish in the top four.”