Como Vs Inter Milan – Poland Star Reveals Reasons Behind Dramatic Upturn In Form As He Hails ‘Huge Impact’ Of Injured Captain

Como Vs Inter Milan – Poland Star Reveals Reasons Behind Dramatic Upturn In Form As He Hails ‘Huge Impact’ Of Injured Captain

Piotr Zielinski has opened up on his remarkable turnaround in form ahead of Como vs Inter Milan, while hailing the huge impact of injured captain Lautaro Martinez on the squad.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, the Polish midfielder reflected on a difficult debut season at Inter before explaining what changed, and credited both a new coaching staff and Cristian Chivu‘s personal faith in him as key factors.

Zielinski admitted his first year at the club fell short of his own standards.

“After a first season where I hadn’t shown the best of myself, I understood I needed to correct something, physically and mentally,” he said.

The arrival of Chivu proved significant.

“When he arrived, I was still injured. He spoke to me, gave me confidence, making me understand he wanted to count on me. He knew my qualities, but wanted to see them in every training session.”

He also highlighted the role of fitness coach Rapetti, with whom he had previously worked at Empoli. That pre-existing relationship, he explained, made the physical transition smoother.

Como Vs Inter – Zielinski On Lautaro Impact & The Scudetto Run-In

On the subject of Lautaro, Zielinski was emphatic about the captain’s influence, both on and off the pitch.

“He is enormous. A leader, an example, a fundamental presence, as well as a key player,” he said.

“After Poland lost to Sweden, he sent me an encouraging message to lift me ahead of my return to Milan. He did the same for the Italian lads. These are the small, great things that change your mentality. At that point, you want to give everything for him, for the team, for the club.”

Zielinski also spoke about the mood inside the dressing room ahead of the title run-in, with seven games remaining.

“We told each other that to really win, we’d need to change gear and accelerate,” he said.

“Disappointments from internationals have to be turned into extra motivation to win the Scudetto. That has been the objective since the start of the season.”

He was equally clear that Napoli’s title challenge holds no personal significance beyond the sporting.

Having spent eight years at the Neapolitan club, he insists his only focus is finishing first, regardless of who is behind.