Inter defend lack of deals

Benitez: Stuck with what he had

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Inter Milan have insisted that they did not need to make major additions to their squad after a lack of activity in the transfer market this summer.

The reigning European champions lost the services of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid following their triumph, but replaced him with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to continue their success.

Benitez was linked with moves for players he brought to Anfield in Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt, but succeeded in signing neither, with the former moving to Barcelona at the end of August.

The treble winners brought in only young talents Felipe Coutinho and Jonathan Biabiany over the transfer window.

But despite links with several of Europe's top players and seeing striker Mario Balotelli depart for Manchester City, the Nerazzurri claimed they were happy with what they had.

"We already have a team of great champions," club administrator Ernesto Paolillo said.

"We decided to keep our attention on (balancing) our books and deciding not to spend uselessly."

Moratti backing

Inter owner Massimo Moratti also backed his decision not to spend in the transfer market, and that this was no time for doom and gloom at the San Siro.

"I'm not pessimistic and neither are the fans. I made certain decisions because I was convinced that the team is fine like this, that it's not an old team because it won two months ago, not ten years ago, so we hope to well again," Moratti said.

"But, as always, a lot will depend on the psychological condition and the changes, because we several changes have been made. Like I said at the start, we have focused on the young players this year and we have brought in those that we consider to be the best.

"Some of them are already here, and others might arrive during the course of the season or at the end of the year. In football you never know in advance if you have done the right thing.

"I certainly did what I thought best for Inter. I didn't think it was appropriate to buy just for the sake of buying.

"I think that Benitez has the necessary common sense, intelligence and calm to do well. Then, as always, it depends on us and the fans, but I honestly think that the fans know this and they will certainly help him.

"You can't order the fans what to do. This is the reality. Some might make comparisons with the past, but I am sure that Benitez will overcome these as well."