The dawn of a new age: The Benitez era begins at
the San Siro
New Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez has insisted
comparisons with predecessor Jose Mourinho were wide of the
mark.
Benitez unveiled as the new Inter boss on Tuesday following his
departure from Liverpool and Mourinho's switch to Real Madrid.
The Spaniard is hoping to maintain the Nerazzurri's recent
success after Mourinho led them to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions
League treble last season.
But he is adamant his approach will differ to that of the
Portuguese.
Different strokes: Rafa Benitez (right) has dodged
comparisons with predecessor Jose Mourinho (left)
'I don't think I am the anti-Mourinho but I am
different,' he said. 'I am a coach who likes winning, who likes
playing good football, though, so I don't think we are different in
that.'
Benitez was delighted to have landed at Inter after a difficult
end to his six-year spell at Anfield.
He added: 'The main idea of Inter and of Italy is that you
breathe football. You breathe football and I like that.
'The club is a great one and we will try to do everything
possible to be the best.'
Benitez faces a daunting task in following in Mourinho's
footsteps but he is confident that it is the start of an 'historic
period' for the club.
And he knows the players must maintain their winning
mentality.
'Inter are coming off an almost perfect year. I want the
footballers not to lose the desire to win. I want to keep that
winning mentality and I think I can,' said Benitez.
'I'm happy to have top-class players. The difficulty will be
keeping this level but we can do that. I think the level is high
and if we can keep that winning spirit I think we can do well.
'If the players can do the same again this year, for two more
years or even more... it will be an historic period for the
club.'
Mourinho was often criticised for a lack of attractive football.
And, while Benitez claims his aim is to entertain on the pitch, he
insists trophies come first.
He said: 'I think that's a difficult question. What's good
football for you? For me? For our fans?
'We all know that in England you play a more direct game, Spain
is more about short passes. Here we play differently to Spain,
what's better?
'The mentality is always to win playing well and playing well
depends on the players you have. I have the mentality of winning
playing good football. I think the players are good and they like
playing good football.
'We'll try to win playing good football but what's most
important is winning.'
