Leonardo believes Inter have an organisational problem – “if you don’t know who is in charge, the machine will get jammed”.
The Brazilian is a former Nerazzurri Coach, and was linked with a return in the wake of Frank de Boer’s sacking, before the job went to Stefano Pioli.
“A project of this size doesn’t start with the Coach,” Leonardo explained to La Stampa.
Leonardo believes Inter have an organisational problem – “if you don’t know who is in charge, the machine will get jammed”.
The Brazilian is a former Nerazzurri Coach, and was linked with a return in the wake of Frank de Boer’s sacking, before the job went to Stefano Pioli.
“A project of this size doesn’t start with the Coach,” Leonardo explained to La Stampa.
“Suning have taken over Inter, and it’s fundamental that if you’re in charge of Inter you must have deep care every day and a structure.
“Inter has glory in their, DNA, money is not enough, they need feeling and organisation at the highest level. “When [Massimo] Moratti left, Inter lost their reference point, and in my opinion he won’t come back: I’ve never seen anyone suffer so much for Inter.
“If you don’t know who is in charge, who makes the decisions, then it’s normal the machine will get jammed.
“Thohir didn’t have time to establish that before already there was talk of a new sale. That situations created instability.
“The Chinese would do well to install their trusted men, they’re the ones who can give authority, sustainability and credibility to the club.
“[Javier] Zanetti, [Giovanni] Gardini and [Piero] Ausilio must still feel part of the structure.”
Before Stefano Pioli was appointed, different factions appeared to be pushing for different Coaches, with Marcelino and Gianfranco Zola also interviewed.
“It’s another anomaly in the structure. If you’re organised, you don’t need to rely on others.
“The interviews are nothing new, the issue was the strange way they went about it. They could have avoided having Marcelino sitting in the hotel while having dinner with Zola.
“Was Pioli the best choice? Right now it’s hard to say with any certainty. If you don’t have a plan then how can you know who is suitable?
“The decision was made on the hoof after a difficult start to the season. Personally I really like Pioli, he’s always measured in his words, he knows how to get a team playing and Inter have players who can adapt to his system.
“Starting over is wrong though, Inter should impose a philosophy which will apply to any Coach who arrives. That’s how to get to real restructuring.
“Gabigol? He’s a reflection of this Inter period. You can’t make a major investment in him and then say the lad isn’t ready for Italy.”