Premier League - Rafael Benitez looking to continue the winning spree at Inter Milan
Rafael Benitez moved from Liverpool to Inter Milan leaving behind 6 fruitless years, in his first season at Anfield. The Spaniard did manage to win the Champions League and that gave hope to the reds that many more trophies were on the way. However, what transpired in the next few years was not exactly according to plan; Liverpool only managed to win one more trophy under him and that was the FA cup. Liverpool who are listed among the top 4 of the Premier League have not been able to muster up a title challenge for more than a decade and during Rafa’s time they were nowhere close to doing that either. In fact in his last season they finished 6th which is their worst in a long time and as a result missed out on a chance to play in the Champions League in the coming season.
Now that Benitez is at Inter Milan he certainly has his work cut out for him, he has replaced the special one, Jose Mourinho, who moved to Real Madrid following the Champions League final.
Inter Milan won the treble, winning the Italian Serie-A, Copa Italia and finally Champions League, which Inter had not won in more than 45 years.
Benitez is trying to fill in some big shoes, Jose has left a legacy that is hard to follow and even winning a treble will only put him equal to his predecessor.
Rafa though is not bothered about the ghost of Mourinho doing circles at San Siro, and has said that he will make sure he can carry forward the winning mentality of Inter.
Benitez said that everyone at the club has the same objective and by working together the team can achieve the targets set before the season.
The Spaniard said that coming into a club that has tasted success does come with expectations, but on the other hand it is easier to build on that success rather than starting from scratch.
Rafa said that there are people at the club with number of ideas, and he will make sure he looks into all of them as he is open to ideas from all corners, and said that an inspirational idea may come from anyone who is passionately involved with the club.
Benitez said that there are a number of similarities between his former team Liverpool and Inter Milan. He said Inter fans and the club have a rich history and have a passion for success just like Liverpool, just as Liverpool he would have to fight hard with Inter as everyone wants to beat them.
He said that he has spoken to Massimo Moratti, the club president, and he shares his views and cannot wait for the season to begin.
He also said that he has talked to the club captain Javier Zanetti, the Cameroon striker Eto’o and Diego Milito and told them about his plans, and all of them are on board.
Benitez said the group of players that he has have a mentality to win and share the same optimism.
Rafa added that Inter Milan had waited more than 4 decades for a Champions League win, but he will make sure that they retain the title and become the first team to defend the Champions League title.
Rafael Benitez said that Inter Milan’s rivalry with AC Milan is something he is looking forward too, as looking back at the Mercy side derbies against Everton he said that nothing brings out the best in a team than a local derby.
Rafa said that the board has made sure that he has enough budgets available to him for transfers, but for now he is pretty much happy with the players he has and if needed he may buy a player or two before the start of the season.
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