Oriali: “Moratti has won everything and knows how to lead a club better than anyone else”

In today’s Corriere dello Sport an interview with Lele Oriali was published. After 17 seasons as a player and 12 as a director, he is a candidate to return to the club.

Oriali, what was your reaction when you read that Moratti sold the majority to the Indonesian Thohir?

“I thought it was all very strange. I don’t know the people who could become the new owners, but I know the president and his ties to Inter well. When you talk about the Italian football and the three top clubs, you associate them with the names Agnelli of Juventus, Berlusconi of AC Milan and Moratti of Inter. I never thought he would sell or that it would take such a turn.”

As an Inter supporter , how will it be to have Indonesian owners?

“The world of football is constantly evolving, just like the modern society and some things can happen although I admit that it will feel a bit out of tune not to see Moratti as owner. Those who will be the new owners will be assessed over time, but it will certainly be important for them to have a person with Moratti’s experience at their side. Over the years, the president has won everything and knows how to lead a club better than anyone else.”

How will the president experience this separation?

“If you make such a decision, it’s only for Inter’s best, but I think he is very sad to sell the majority. This club has meant a lot to him since he was a child and I guess he will feel what I experienced when I was away. Inter is there is within me, even now, the feelings for Inter remain strong because after thirty years in this club, I feel like part of this family. That’s how it will be even for Moratti.”

Is Oriali dreaming of returning to Inter in the future?

“Given my age, I hope that the future is not too far away (laughs). Seriously, I would gladly return.”

Mazzarri, a coach you appreciate, have come to Inter.

“I’ve known him since the time in Fiorentina when he was considered the new Antognoni and I saw him again in Bologna, where he first was an observer and then coach. You could see that he was good and he deserved to go to Napoli and now to Inter.”

Is it true that you wanted to take him to Milan a few years ago?

“At Inter, there has been talk of him in the past because I have always liked his way of working. He is a coach who is good at getting into the players’ heads, and it is not surprising that Jonathan and Alvarez is much better now that he coaches them. Why? It’s simple, he’s good at getting them to become a part of a system that is simple, yet effective. Compared to last season, Campagnaro has arrived, otherwise it’s more or less the same team, but Inter is different, refreshed and full of confidence thanks to the work done during the weeks. Mazzarri is one of the best coaches available and so far he has proved it with the results and the team’s development. He lost to Roma, but I wasn’t disappointed with the team’s performance.”

Could the former Napoli coach lead Inter to the Scudetto?

“I see Inter as the league’s loose cannon, but their squad is not comparable with Juventus’. Mazzarri must be given time to work while Juventus are already there. Their only enemy is possibly a feeling of satisfaction after winning two league titles in a row, but with a tough coach like Conte I don’t think they will give up anything this year either. Behind them I see Napoli and Fiorentina. Napoli has replaced a great scorer like Cavani with the beautiful play and the talent of the pair Higuain-Hamsik; Fiorentina have had some bad luck with injuries but they always express a good football. Then we have to watch out for Roma who have an outstanding Totti and a good coach in Garcia.”

Can Mazzarri be the right man to make Inter a winning team again?

“Yes, he could be, but before we talk about the future, we need to see how the new club will be structured and bridge the gap that exists to Juventus.”

Would the arrival of Pirlo on a free transfer be helpful in this regard?

“As a player, there is nothing to discuss when it comes to Pirlo because he has qualities that maybe only Barcelona’s midfielders have . We’ll see what ideas the coach has and what strategies the club will have on the transfer market. Obviously, such a signing on a free transfer would be a big deal, but I don’t know if Juve will let him go so easily.”

Are you as an Interista disappointed to see Balotelli in a Milanshirt?

“In football , there are some things that can’t be discussed. Moratti has, over the years, invested a lot and sometimes made choices that you can’t understand and that is painful but still needs to be done.”

As was the case during your years at Inter, however , from Super Mario , there occasionally comes a… balotellata.

“Mario is one of the best young players available. Both in terms of physique and technique. At AC Milan he has improved a lot thanks to the club, but I am convinced that he can still get even better. It depends solely on him.”

Source: fcinternews.it