Inter Milan have given their backing to under-fire coach Frank de Boer.
Three straight Serie A defeats for Inter were followed by a 2-1 win over Torino on Wednesday and while president Erick Thohir says the club's expectations remain high, he has still given De Boer a vote of confidence.
"You get highs and lows in football," Thohir is quoted as saying by inter.it. "I've spoken with De Boer and the team. We have to climb back up the table; the season has only just started and we have many matches in front of us. [Club owners] Suning and I are here to support the team and the coach. We want to focus on our sporting objectives.
"Our aim is to get back into the Champions League and we all have to concentrate on that. Our preseason and the first few games haven't been easy, but we've played a few great games. Now we need consistency to return to the top. I'd like to thank the fans for their great support in the last few matches."
Indonesian businessman Thohir added, however, that he would not be afraid to relieve De Boer of his duties if the results do not continue to arrive.
Inter currently sit 10th in the Serie A table after Wednesday's win, and are six points adrift of the top three and qualification for the Champions League.
"There are obviously obligations in my position," he said. "As president, I carry responsibilities for my decisions, be they good or bad. Every year people expect new players during the transfer window and also a new coach, if things aren't going well. However, our task is to stick by who is in the role now and work for the good of Inter."
Former Inter president Massimo Moratti remains involved in club affairs as an advisor, having sold his remaining stake in the side in the summer, but says he does not wish to have an influence over the hiring and firing of coaches.
"If we were starting the season today, then nobody would be talking about changing the coach," he told Sky Sport Italia after Inter's win over Torino. "But I don't want to give any advice. These are decisions that the club must make, or rather I hope they don't come asking me for advice on the coach's future."