Sir Alex Ferguson on Rafael Benitez' predicament at Inter Milan
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that it will be difficult for Rafael Benitez to fill the shoes of old manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
Mourinho left Inter for Real Madrid in the summer, after winning two Serie A titles in two years for the Italian team. During last season, he added the Champions League trophy and the Coppa Italia to his list of successes with the club.
"It's tough to take the place of someone who has won as much as Mourinho," Ferguson told La Gazzetta dello Sport of Benitez' predicament.
Inter need time to adjust
"One day whoever succeeds me at United will have the same handicap. In all cases, every coach who has respect for himself must give their own identity to the team."
Benitez arrived at Inter Milan in May after a six-year spell with Liverpool, where he succeeded by employing his own version of the modern game, much like Mourinho did with Inter.
But despite making a relatively successful start at the club, it's uncertain whether the Spaniard will be able to repeat Mourinho's successes from last season.
Just defending the domestic title, which Mourinho managed during his first season in charge, will be a feat.
"[Y]ou can be certain that beating Inter will always be difficult," continued Ferguson, who remains aware of Benitez' tactical strength and the quality of the squad he now presides over. "The European champions have all of my respect. I bet on Inter against
Barcelona in the semi-final."
Chelsea the team to beat for the league
The Manchester United manager also spoke about the Premier League race this season, reckoning Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea to be the team to beat after the London team's run of five straight league wins.
"Chelsea finished last season filling in the weaker teams with goals. Anyway they keep winning like champions and who wants to win this Premier League must definitely square up with Chelsea."
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