| |  |  |
|
| Moratti: We saved face |
Wednesday 5 November, 2008 |
|
Inter President Massimo Moratti has struggled to conceal his disappointment at the Nerazzurri’s 3-3 draw with Anorthosis in the Champions League last night.
Jose Mourinho’s side twice took the lead, but were pulled back and went behind just after the interval. Julio Cruz equalised for the Italian giants with 10 minutes remaining.
“We have saved face,” said Moratti, who is desperate to win the Champions League after 13 years with the club.
The 63-year-old found Inter’s incapacity to put the game to bed utterly perplexing but admits he still has faith in the team.
“The team began very well and it seemed to be a very easy game. I believe that after it got a little more complex we became scared, which is typical when things in an easy game start going badly.”
Moratti did not think that the players underestimated Anorthosis who are second in Group B and just three points behind Inter with two games still to play before the knock-out stages.
“It’s not that they willingly undervalued their job. The fact is that, maybe you feel stronger and you see it on the pitch.
“When you go behind it is more difficult to come back because you lack the spirit and become a little scared.
“There are things that can happen,” he added. “Thank goodness that the draw saved our face a little.”
Moratti did admit, though, that something has to change especially given Inter made another easy game against Reggina look rather difficult last Saturday.
“Some things will be put in place. I believe that it’s a psychological thing and also a little down to the errors that we commit. When you make mistakes, it’s normal that you concede goals.”
Moratti also moved to defender Nicolas Burdisso whose clamorous header to Nikolaos Frousos allowed the Cypriot to shoot and give his side an unlikely lead.
“It was a mixed evening for him and it can happen to any player,” Moratti concluded. “I am sorry that it happened to such a good player with such great qualities like Burdisso.”
Inter’s patron also felt the need to stick up for Mourinho. “In the case of yesterday evening, I don’t believe it is a question of tactical moves.
“Sometimes you put a team on the pitch that you think can respond in a certain way and instead it is a little restrained like yesterday evening. I also believe that some players were tired.”
Inter welcome Udinese to San Siro on Sunday and need to win if they are to keep pace with rivals Milan who currently have a one point lead at the top of Serie A.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
