Roberto Mancini admits returning to Inter was “daft,” he didn’t expect to be fired in 2008 and is a little “jealous” of Jose Mourinho’s Treble.
The Nerazzurri Coach already won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia during his first spell from 2004 to 2008, so it was a surprise when he accepted a comeback to replace Walter Mazzarri in November 2014.
“I was waiting for a call from abroad more than a return to Italy,” Mancio told Gazzetta TV.
Roberto Mancini admits returning to Inter was “daft,” he didn’t expect to be fired in 2008 and is a little “jealous” of Jose Mourinho’s Treble.
The Nerazzurri Coach already won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia during his first spell from 2004 to 2008, so it was a surprise when he accepted a comeback to replace Walter Mazzarri in November 2014.
“I was waiting for a call from abroad more than a return to Italy,” Mancio told Gazzetta TV.
“Above all, I never would’ve thought of a return to Inter. People do a lot of daft things in life and I did this, because it seemed unthinkable to go back where you have already won so much.
“It’s true, I thought we’d have a better final result that season, but I still believe this is my only side to have improved so much in five months. It didn’t happen so quickly at Galatasaray, Manchester City or even my first Inter.”
He left amid a legal battle in 2008, as Inter claimed his resignation – which was retracted within hours – constituted breach of contract several months later.
“There were many things that weren’t going right and had been dragging on for a while, so after the defeat to Liverpool I just let loose.
“I think it was at that point that Massimo Moratti called Mourinho. I went to him the day after and said I’d have no problem carrying on. He was angry, as was I.
“We finished the Serie A season and the final game with Parma was full of tension, as Roma had caught us up. Then there was the Coppa Italia Final, which we lost 2-1.
“I didn’t expect to be fired. I read the article in the morning and some doubts emerged in my mind. Moratti called and told me he’d made this decision.
“Did he mention Mourinho? No. I must thank Moratti anyway, because he gave me the opportunity to be Coach of Inter in an important moment of my career.”
Mancini was asked what he thought of ‘The Special One,’ who took Inter to the historic Treble two years later?
“I think he’s a good Coach. Am I jealous about the Treble? That’s a natural emotion, but I believe things happen because they were meant to happen.”
Mourinho won the Premier League title with Chelsea last summer, a trophy that Mancini lifted with Manchester City.
“Winning the title in stoppages was incredible. It was 2-2 and our opponents were safe, so they just lobbed it towards Joe Hart. He put it back in play and Mario (Balotelli) set up (Sergio) Aguero. I think they’ll make a film of that match one day. It’s a wonderful memory.
“United had dominated for decades in Manchester and we changed history. The 6-1 at Old Trafford remains an indelible memory.
“Sir Alex Ferguson was a bit angry that day. I brought him some good French wine, but in his office he has wine of such high quality.
“I went to see Ancelotti once, but he didn’t have wine as good as Sir Alex.”