Former Inter President Massimo Moratti admits hiring Rafa Benitez “was a mistake. We lived in a climate of terror.”
Benitez was brought in after Jose Mourinho won the Treble in 2010 and lasted only six months, even though he won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup.
“In my view, hiring Benitez was a mistake,” Moratti told reporters at the presentation of Ivan Cordoba’s book.
“He is a great professional, but there is also a huge difference in terms of communication, character and rapport.
Former Inter President Massimo Moratti admits hiring Rafa Benitez “was a mistake. We lived in a climate of terror.”
Benitez was brought in after Jose Mourinho won the Treble in 2010 and lasted only six months, even though he won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup.
“In my view, hiring Benitez was a mistake,” Moratti told reporters at the presentation of Ivan Cordoba’s book.
“He is a great professional, but there is also a huge difference in terms of communication, character and rapport.
“I did nothing to bother him, but at a certain point I really wanted to, because he made us feel as if we couldn’t celebrate anything.
“We lived in a climate of terror and had to be wary so we wouldn’t offend anyone. There was no enthusiasm in this situation and in the end enthusiasm propels you to victory.
“I always tell the players to enjoy their football. This was lacking with Benitez, so we started going after Leonardo, who I think was one of the best Coaches I ever had. He’s an intelligent man, a great director and Coach.”
Moratti may well have been referring to the story told my Marco Materazzi – and denied by Benitez – that on his first day Rafa ordered all images of Mourinho and their Champions League triumph removed from the locker room.