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| Massimo Moratti attends the presentation of Ivan Zazzaroni's new book 'Diventare Mourinho' at the Rizzoli bookshop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on October 13, 2022 in Milan, Italy. |
Former Inter President Massimo Moratti admits he would’ve probably fired Simone Inzaghi already this season, but also acknowledges ‘that would’ve been a mistake.’
The Nerazzurri have one foot in the Champions League semi-final after a 2-0 first leg win away to Benfica, with the decider at San Siro on Wednesday evening.
However, there are strong reports that the club could pull the plug on their coach if he fails to make the landing stick and get into the final four.
“We are all waiting for the game against Benfica, which becomes more important because we’re doing so badly in Serie A,” Moratti told TMW Radio.
“I think Inter have a 70 per cent chance of qualifying, seeing the first leg result, but in the Champions League anything can happen.”
During his long tenure, Moratti won the Treble with Jose Mourinho in 2010, but was also famous for constantly chopping and changing his management team.
Would he have kept faith with Inzaghi after 11 Serie A defeats in the opening 30 rounds?
“No, knowing my character and the fact I used to sack coaches after three or four defeats. It probably would’ve been a mistake then too.”
While Moratti did win the Treble eventually, he also had many years of disappointment and close calls, whereas Steven Zhang and Suning now have less pressure on their shoulders.
“Criticism is on a par with ambition. If you start out with Ronaldo and the desire to conquer the world, then they won’t forgive failure. If you are odest instead… I see football in general now is aligning around a level of mediocrity.”
