In an interview in the print edition of today’s newspaper Il Giornale, former Inter goalkeeper Francesco Toldo reminisced about Inter’s 1-0 Champions League second leg semifinal loss to Barcelona which took place 10 years ago yesterday.
Although Inter lost the match, they still progressed to the Champions League final with thanks to a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
“We were monumental. Everyone in the world knows how strong Barcelona are, especially at home. They have extraordinary characteristics and can put any team in difficulty but they did not show it against us,” he began the interview which appeared in today’s print edition.
“I still remember the great save that Julio Cesar made on Lionel Messi and despite Thiago Motta being sent off, we managed to hold on until the end of the game.”
He then went on to reveal that things turned sour in the camp the day before the second leg but things were sorted out in time before the game.
“The day before there was a big fight during lunch in our squad for reasons that I cannot tell you, those reasons are among the secrets from that year but everything was resolved in the best way and we took to the field more united than ever before.”
Toldo, who spent nine years on Inter’s books and retired after the Champions League final, then spoke on something he believes was crucial in the team being as successful as they were.
“The real strength of that group of players was that everything was done directly. We said things to each others faces without anyone being offended. There were also great players who made themselves available and put the interests of the team before their personal interests.”
Toldo then went on to speak about what was great about then manager Jose Mourinho, who was absolutely pivotal in Inter’s historic treble win.
“He is above all a psychologist, man management is fundamental for him, clarity and communication are strong points. He gets respect from the team. Several times he attacked the great players for various reasons without anyone being offended.
“He was the first to training and the last to leave. With him you could easily discuss any topic, he was always prepared. His talent in speaking multiple foreign languages stood out and he demonstrated it at his presentation at Pinetina.”
Toldo then spoke on Inter bottling the 2001/02 Serie A season right at the end: “It was the most bitter epilogue to a season that was distorted to the detriment of sporting meritocracy.”
He also spoke on former teammate Ronaldo: “Ronaldo? He is the best and most sympathetic Brazilian I have known, despite his physical adversities he always sported a contagious smile.”
The former Italian national team shot-stopper also spoke on today’s Inter.
“Compared to previous years, I think the level has been raised, even if it is not enough to compete with Juventus. Inter have a remarkable history and deserve many more Serie A title wins.”
