Inter barely considered Capello

England coach was never really in the running to replace Mourinho

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 28th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Inter barely considered Capello

Capello: Not an option

Capello was a realistic hypothesis that lasted two-and-a-half days, the time over a weekend which ended on the Monday.

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti
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Massimo Moratti claims Fabio Capello was never a realistic candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

The Nerazzurri president insists the England boss was considered to be an option for the length of a weekend, but no longer than that.

In the end the reigning European champions opted to hand the reins to former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, and are more than happy with their choice.

Moratti told Sky Italia: "Capello was a realistic hypothesis that lasted two-and-a-half days, the time over a weekend which ended on the Monday.

"He wasn't in competition with Benitez, it was realistic but then it turned out not to be.

"I didn't touch anything, there was a question which was then rescinded by itself."

Alternatives

Inter are known to have identified a number of candidates for the role before landing Benitez, but Moratti insists the Spaniard should not be considered second choice.

He added: "Benitez is one of the coaches who had a certain type of international experience, I heard great things about him and we went straight for him.

"We also considered alternatives because it was a difficult decision. Benitez is very professional, works very hard and has similar work systems to Mourinho, studying the games and opponents.

"He guarantees serious work and, I hope, good results. On a human level he's educated, courteous, likeable, not too insistent even when talking about signings.

"Mourinho was (insistent) only for (Ricardo) Quaresma but that didn't go well and he eased off after that."

Vision

Sticking with the transfer theme, Moratti has also been quick to point out that Inter will not be splashing out on extravagant signings this summer.

"We have to push on with what we've got, a group that has done well," he said on a squad that landed a Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League Treble last term.

"There's a different coach who has a slightly different vision to the one who was here before but who will try to maintain our success.

"Then you can allow yourself the whim of youth. You don't have to look for a star but a functional player."