Marco Materazzi would “throw myself on the fire for Jose Mourinho,” but blasted Inter, Massimo Moratti and Rafa Benitez.
Marco Materazzi would “throw myself on the fire for Jose Mourinho,” but blasted Inter, Massimo Moratti and Rafa Benitez.
The World Cup winner is now player-manager of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin and spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his career.
“Mourinho sent me compliments after my first win, but I didn’t need to speak to him. I keep his teachings within me,” said Matrix.
“My assistant manager walks around with Mourinho’s book under his arm and teaches the team the same training methods he made us do at Inter.”
Inter are looking back over their past and that 2010 Treble-winning campaign, as Massimo Moratti resigned as Honorary President, ending a 20-year tenure.
“I will always thank Moratti, as he allowed me to win everything. Having said that, I was not treated very well towards the end. He was in charge and did nothing when technical director Ausilio asked me to become assistant manager to the regional Allievi youth team. Someone didn’t want me at Inter anymore.
“I must also thank Benitez, because he taught me how not to behave with players. Those who go in the stands are more important than the ones on the pitch. A Coach cannot take players for a ride.
“Mou was the first to tell me I was not first choice, despite the respect and friendship. I would’ve thrown myself on the fire for Mourinho.”
Although Benitez won the Club World Cup just days before terminating his Inter contract by mutual consent, Materazzi continues to insist the team could’ve won it without a Coach.
“Benitez lacks respect and struggles with players who have character. Just ask Stankovic, the best player on the field, who Benitez actually wanted to play: Mariga. Who had been out for three months.
“In the retreat I asked the old guard to raise the tension level, as we were just dead. I said we should argue amongst ourselves.
“That was Carlo Mazzone’s tactic. When he saw concentration was low, he’d grab the first person to hand and tear him to shreds. Then the others paid attention.”