In an interview in today’s Tuttosport, Inter legend Gabriele Oriali once again announced his candidacy for a role as director at Inter.
Why is Oriali still so loved by the fans?
“I’ve been wondering that too… (laughs Ed.). I think it ‘s because I’ve done something good, first as a player, during seventeen years from the youth sector; then as director for another thirteen. I think that’s why most of Inter’s fans would like to see my return to the club.”
If Thohir would ask you, would you accept?
“After thirty years, Inter has become my second family. So if there would be a call from Thohir I would be more than happy to accept. Otherwise, I will continue to be a supporter.”
Which was your most difficult negotiation?
“The one with Juventus for Ibrahimovic. They knew they had to sell him, not least because of the player’s desire, but AC Milan was also in the picture. I went to Turin with Branca, it was with Blanc we reached an agreement on a transfer for Ibrahimovic and I stayed until eleven at night before we signed it. Two strenuous days, with pressure from AC Milan, who wanted him at any price.”
A signing to remember?
“Cambiasso for free: Branca and I were initially criticized because he didn’t play at Real. And then Maicon: we saw him for the first time with Mancini and we fell instantly in love.”
A flop?
“When you work, you can also make mistakes: it happened to us and, for example, even Juventus three or four years ago. Then, both they and we have been good at learning from mistakes because we focused more on quality than quantity. But Juve is already, since a few years, the team to beat and will be also for the next, just as we were for years.”
Why, in your opinion, is that?
“Because they have advantages in that they own their stadium, they have innovative ideas, skilled owners and managers in the selection of players and because they have a coach, who right now is the best in our league.”
What is missing for Inter to reach Juventus?
“This year, a historic chapter for the club has ended and during such a season it is obvious that the team suffers a little psychologically from a change in ownership. It’s not by accident that, after a beginning in which good football was played, there has been a decline, not only physically but also mentally and perhaps unconsciously. Now they’re recovering, but the gap to Juventus is there and to fill it requires work, patience, and time.”
Does Ausilio have broad enough shoulders to be responsible for the technical area?
“The experience of conducting negotiations, he got already with me and Branca, moreover, he is well acquainted with the youth sector and is an expert in international football, so it’s a choice that makes sense. However, I think that a big club like Inter maybe should have someone within the club that he can consult daily. If that person is an Interista it would be even better.”
What was it that went wrong between you and Branca?
“Our relationship deteriorated in the last year because we had different ideas, but before that we did very well. The results prove it. After the treble the club made a decision that I obviously did not share, but which I accepted with sadness because I thought I had deserved to continue in my role, given what happened on the pitch. That wasn’t the case, so our roads split. And it has continued to be bad.”
What advice would you give to Zanetti, who is at a crossroads in his life?
“I’m convinced that his idea would be to continue for another year. He is a symbol, and for several reasons, he can also be good to have in the dressing room. The advice I can give him is to follow his instincts.”
Does the captain have a resume to take up Facchetti’s heritage or is it better that he pays his dues elsewhere?
“I have nothing against Zanetti, who I have a great admiration for, but there will only be one like Facchetti, unique and inimitable. I do, however, miss a person who is perceived as a true Interista within the club, who can act as an interlocutor between the club, the technical area, and the coach and who is recognized as a human image of Inter.”
Here, say something Interista. Inter without a penalty for 28 rounds, where is the error?
“The error? Of these mistakes, there have been seven or eight that have been blatant, they are unthinkable omissions which have punished Inter in the table. It seems almost like a syndrome not to give a penalty, although I do however think that the referees are acting in good faith.”
Does Icardi remind you a little about Balotelli in the beginning?
“I don’t know and I think it is difficult to make comparisons. But I know he’s strong, young, has prospects, is strong physically, and technically good. Inter has made a good purchase because Icardi is the future.”
Is Mazzarri the right man for this transition period?
“Well, a transition period during which they at least must have the goal of qualifying for the Europa League. But I think Mazzarri is the right coach, not only for this transition period.”
What type of match will it be against Ventura?
“Ventura doing big things in Turin. His team plays well, entertaining, and has a good position in the table. Inter must make sure not to give space to Cerci and Immobile because they are lethal when they have open spaces. Nevertheless, this will be a match for Inter to win.”
Can Inter afford to focus on the young players?
“They need to focus on the right mix of talent and experienced players, as they have done with the signing of Vidic from Manchester United. He has international experience and can be a reference point for young players.”
Source: fcinternews.it
