MILAN: Newly appointed Inter Milan coach Leonardo said he had no plans to “revolutionise” the team, meaning he will likely use the same players as Rafa Benitez.
However, Inter intend to make some moves in the transfer market, and have reportedly already concluded a deal for Genoa defender Andrea Ranocchia.
Leonardo also said he consulted Jose Mourinho, who won an unprecedented treble for the Italian team last season, after having agreed to replace Benitez at the struggling Serie A club.
Leonardo was introduced by Inter president Massimo Moratti on Wednesday, revealing he called Mourinho to discuss the club that the Portuguese coach led to Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League titles – the first such treble for an Italian team.
“I’m not Mourinho, though. I’ve only coached one season,” said Leonardo, who led Milan last season and spent much of his playing career at that club.
Mourinho departed for Real Madrid at the end of last season and Inter hired Benitez from Liverpool.
While Benitez led Inter to the Club World Cup title last week, Inter have struggled in Serie A, languishing 13 points behind leaders and city rivals AC Milan in seventh place.
Benitez had a falling out with Moratti, who stood by Leonardo during his presentation.
“Leonardo demanded that I be here today,” Moratti said. “It’s the first time someone has asked me and it’s very pleasing. ... Our relationship was born of reciprocal respect.”
Leonardo returned the praise.
“It didn’t take long for me to accept president Moratti’s proposal,” Leonardo said.
“But I never really thought it would happen. ... Being a coach is a very delicate job and when I stopped coaching Milan I reflected a lot, but the opportunity that was offered me by Inter made me realise that this is what I really wanted to do.”
No comments:
Post a Comment