Speaking out: Jose Mourinho is not worried
about his Inter Milan team having to face Manchester United in the
Champions League.
Speaking in Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport on
Friday the Portuguese coach revealed his reaction to the Serbian's
red card in the World Club Championship final last
month.
Mourinho said: "I'd be surprised if Vidic didn't get at least
two matches - which wouldn't even be much for a gesture like that,
during a match seen by the whole world."
The Inter Milan coach is ready for the challenge Manchester
United will pose next month. He said: "In February the real
Champions League starts.
"In the Champions League details count, even the luck of not
having important injuries, I believe that at the end of February
Inter will be better than they were at the end of 2008."
Manchester United travel to Italy to face Mourinho's team on Feb
24 at the San Siro with the second leg at Old Trafford two weeks
later, but the former Porto coach is confident.
He said: "I really wanted Manchester United because I don't see
any great difference between them Bayern, Liverpool or Barcelona
and seeing as I like pressure and emotion these win or die games
playing against the Champions of Europe and the World is perfect
for me.
"I already have an idea of how I will play against Manchester at
home and then at Old Trafford and the objective will be to take the
team to another level of play, specifically working at this."
Mourinho dismissed speculation that his team might be
underprepared after playing fewer games than United in the
intervening period. "No way," he said. "Ferguson has won 30 honours
and he has lived his whole career with that rhythm, he has six
players for three attacking positions, four for two midfield places
but before playing us United haven't got any tough games."
Inter's coach was not afraid to stir up the controversy
surrounding Wayne Rooney's tackle on Aalborg's Kasper Risgard in
the group stages, saying: "I don't like the fact that in football
there are different standards. I was amazed that Rooney was not
suspended. But I know they have Evans who is quality, Brown is also
a good option and Ferdinand is on top form."
Inter are currently six points clear at the top of Serie A, but
qualified second in Champions League Group B, two points behind
Greek team Panathinaikos, who beat the Italian champions 1-0 at
home.