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| | Mourinho: Don't lose focus |
Tuesday 25 November, 2008 |
| Inter tactician Jose Mourinho has called for concentration against Panathinaikos and offered his sympathy for Italy's referees.
The Nerazzurri are preparing to face Greek giants Panathinaikos at San Siro tomorrow evening in the Champions League.
After beating bitter rivals Juventus in the Derby d'Italia, spirits are high in the Beneamata camp but Mourinho has warned against complacency.
“I'm not scared of the Greeks, but I'm scared of Inter,” the Special One explained.
“The win against Juve allowed us to come out of a difficult period after some imperfect performances and a few draws after the win over Roma.
“Two days ago we played the best game of our season and now there is a new danger that we could take a step back.
“We need to forget the championship and the fantastic win over Juve on Saturday.
“The thing to remember is that if we lose tomorrow we will find ourselves in a difficult position.
“If we win, however, we have qualified and will be first in the group. I want my men to take on Panathinaikos as if they were Manchester United.”
Referees have come under fire in recent weeks after a host of disappointing decisions last weekend.
“It's much more difficult to be a referee in Italy than it is in England,” Mourinho said.
“In England, there is a spirit of fair play. When the referee whistles and the game ends they don't pick holes in every decision.
“Here, everything is analysed and the referees are always under enormous pressure.”
Mourinho will be without French international midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is still blighted by injuries.
“Vieira is in bad shape,” the Portuguese Coach lamented. “He played two minutes on Saturday, but who knows where the problem comes from?
“You would have to ask him whether he picked up the injury while he was on duty with France's national side.”
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