Inter Milan chief Piero Ausilio was coy yesterday over the future of coach Frank de Boer.

Ausilio was speaking before their Europa League win over Southampton.

He said, “Inter have to take it one game at a time, so there's no point making long-term plans. We are fortunate enough to be playing again straight away and that's important when coming off negative results.

“Today it's almost a knockout match. We have to win and by doing so we'll then be able to have our say in the Europa League too.

“De Boer's difficulties were understandable considering he arrived at the last minute in a whole new environment.

“The Chinese owners just took over as well, so we cannot expect too much intervention from them. Over the last few days we let people talk, but on Monday we met Icardi and we made the decision.

“The club is present. Obviously it can't be the same as it was with Massimo Moratti, who is the history of the club, but that doesn't mean it's not a good club."