The Nerazzurri owner still has confidence in the club's first team coach despite falling short of their targets so far this season

Inter president Massimo Moratti has revealed that he still has confidence in the team's coach Andrea Stramaccioni and denied he gave him a vote of confidence via text message.

The Nerazzurri are fifth in Serie A, three points adrift of a Champions League place and 12 points behind league leaders Juventus.

"Yes, I still have confidence [in Stramaccioni]. We need to work hard, stay very alert and defend against attacks – especially those closer to us – in such a way so that things start working again,” Moratti told Inter.ie.

"No, I never sent any SMS," he added. "I also read this but I didn’t send anything. Stramaccioni and I had a chat."

Moratti, who became president in 1995, also commented on his club's new signings acquired during the January transfer window.

"The two from eastern Europe did very well, but I can’t say the same for [Ezequiel] Schelotto. It wasn’t his fault however as he hadn’t played for a month. He tried, but it’s not the player’s fault if he didn’t turn in the greatest performance."