Leonardo finds Inter job 'biggest challenge'
Source: Agencies |
December 30, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NEW Inter Milan coach Leonardo said the job was "a dream" after being welcomed like a rock star yesterday.
"I'm a romantic," Leonardo told his first news conference at Inter's training ground having arrived to wild applause.
"I wasn't looking for work, I was looking for a dream and this is the biggest challenge there is."
The Brazilian left AC Milan in May after his only season in management following a series of disagreements with owner Silvio Berlusconi. He has returned to Serie A with Milan's biggest rival having replaced Rafa Benitez but said his acceptance of the role was not the start of a vendetta against the Rossoneri.
"I thank Milan for 13 years together and I will never forget them but now I start a new adventure. I am a free man."
The 41-year-old World Cup winner was a player for Milan before becoming a scout, technical director and coach, making his switch to its bitter rival all the more surprising.
However, the clubs have often swapped personnel over the years and Milan has stayed largely quiet on the issue given its hopes of silverware this term rely on former Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Inter is bidding for a sixth straight Serie A title but lies seventh at the mid-season.
"I still believe in the scudetto. I know 13 points is a lot but the championship still has a long way to run," added Leonardo.
Inter President Massimo Moratti is prepared for flak from fans if his appointment of a former Milan coach backfires. "I am very happy about this appointment, I have always rated him," Moratti said. "Now let him work without pressure but with all the ambition that we must have as champions of the world. He bears a heavy weight on his shoulders, as I do, for the decision the club have taken."
"I'm a romantic," Leonardo told his first news conference at Inter's training ground having arrived to wild applause.
"I wasn't looking for work, I was looking for a dream and this is the biggest challenge there is."
The Brazilian left AC Milan in May after his only season in management following a series of disagreements with owner Silvio Berlusconi. He has returned to Serie A with Milan's biggest rival having replaced Rafa Benitez but said his acceptance of the role was not the start of a vendetta against the Rossoneri.
"I thank Milan for 13 years together and I will never forget them but now I start a new adventure. I am a free man."
The 41-year-old World Cup winner was a player for Milan before becoming a scout, technical director and coach, making his switch to its bitter rival all the more surprising.
However, the clubs have often swapped personnel over the years and Milan has stayed largely quiet on the issue given its hopes of silverware this term rely on former Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Inter is bidding for a sixth straight Serie A title but lies seventh at the mid-season.
"I still believe in the scudetto. I know 13 points is a lot but the championship still has a long way to run," added Leonardo.
Inter President Massimo Moratti is prepared for flak from fans if his appointment of a former Milan coach backfires. "I am very happy about this appointment, I have always rated him," Moratti said. "Now let him work without pressure but with all the ambition that we must have as champions of the world. He bears a heavy weight on his shoulders, as I do, for the decision the club have taken."
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