Rafa Benitez replaces Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he is targeting a huge trophy haul at his new club Inter Milan.
The 50-year-old, who spent six years at Liverpool, was presented to the Italian media for the first time on Tuesday.
"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," said Benitez.
"After this excellent season, Inter has the chance to win six trophies and we will do all we can to win them."
Benitez has signed a two-year deal with the Italian and European champions following predecessor Jose Mourinho's switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Benitez promised that Inter's style of football would become more attractive under him.
"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.
"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."
There has been speculation that Benitez may now return to Liverpool to try and strengthen Inter's squad, with right-back Glen Johnson the latest name linked with a move to Italy.
But the Spaniard remained tight lipped on possible transfer targets, insisting his first aim was to get to know the players already at the San Siro.
"I've only been here two days," said Benitez.
"I will try to buy good players, of a good level who will suit a top level club but I can't say their names. Good players.
"I don't talk about players of other teams. We have to analyse the future and then we will decide what player we want. It's always difficult to improve something that has worked so well.
"We are analysing everything, I think we can do it but I prefer to work calmly now in the club and then think of other things. I'm very happy to be here. Very happy and very proud."
Rumours of dressing room unrest among Liverpool's senior players overshadowed the final days of his tenure at Anfield but Benitez said he has made peace the players.
"I have had contact with 95% of the players and the relationship with them is good.
"It was a sad day when I had to go but things changed so I had to do it. I have been in contact with most of the players and they told me 'thank you for everything' and I told them the same," he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment