INTER Milan president Massimo Moratti has offered his sincere thanks to Jose Mourinho for guiding the Nerazurri to an unprecedented treble, and revealed that he still hopes to convince his “unforgettable” coach to stay at the San Siro.
Mourinho appears set for a move to Real Madrid after leading Inter to Champions League glory on Saturday, with the Portuguese coach expressing his desire to take up a new challenge after two years in charge.
But Moratti, celebrating Inter’s treble triumph - the first time it has been achieved by an Italian club - retains a glimmer of hope that Mourinho could remain at the San Siro.
“We will speak soon,” Moratti said. “I don’t think he has signed for another club because he is a serious person.
“Perhaps he has spoken to a team but I hope there is still a margin to convince him to change his mind. “I am nevertheless grateful for Mourinho because he has allowed us to win so much.”
Mourinho has guided Inter to two scudetti, one Coppa Italia and a European Cup, the club’s first in 45 years.
They went unbeaten at the San Siro throughout the season, losing just four times in Serie A, and ended the league having claimed five consecutive wins en route to the title.
“Mourinho has brought professionalism and a winning mentality to the club,” Moratti said. “He has great merit and he is an unforgettable person.”
The Italian press have been linking numerous coaches as Mourinho’s replacement, with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and Turkey coach Guus Hiddink reported targets.
Former Inter assistant and player Sinisa Mihajlovic, the current boss of Catania, is also a reported target while England manager Fabio Capello is also among the names circulating to succeed Mourinho.
But Moratti warned for whoever comes in to replace Mourinho should be prepared to put their own stamp on the team, and not live in the shadow of “the Special One”
“Mourinho is unique,” Moratti said. “No-one can coach, motivate and communicate like he can. “If somebody else should arrive in his place, he shouldn’t try to imitate but move forward, with his own personality and try to lead a group that has overcome its complexes and that still has a lot to give.”
Soccernet
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