Former Inter CEO Ernesto Paolillo has blasted the club for their involvement in the failed European Super League, whilst claiming it would have have been sanctioned has ex-President Massimo Moratti been at the helm.
Inter were joined by AC Milan and Juventus, along with nine clubs from England and Spain, in attempting to launch a breakaway league last week, before hastily abandoning the plans following widespread backlash across Europe.
In an interview with FCInter1908.it, Paolillo declared that the project was damaging to football and would lead to nothing more than exhibition matches between a handful of clubs.
“From the beginning I said it would be madness. It is a project that would have weakened the whole football system on one hand, and on the other hand would have created a rather strange tournament for this elite. A circus that would travel all over the world playing games against each other,” Paolillo claimed.
“There would have been a winner but without the appeal of beating everyone. I also feel that it is actually time to look at UEFA’s revenue distribution method. Undoubtedly, looking at UEFA’s balance sheets, revenues should be redistributed and the mechanism should be more rewarding for those who perform better.”
Whilst the 12 clubs argued that UEFA funding distribution was unfair, Paolillo was cynical about their motives and felt more could have been done before looking to break away.
“Of course, I would have preferred that they had put up a fight against UEFA for the redistribution of funds. Then a split could happen if they are punished or don’t find an agreement.
“Without that battle, the 12 announcing themselves as the self-proclaimed elite is not good. In fact, we’ve seen how the fans of these teams reacted.”
Paolillo also admitted that it was possible that current Inter CEO Beppe Marotta, as well as Milan counterpart Paolo Maldini, were in the dark about the plans until it was announced last Sunday, with directives coming from above.
“It is possible. I have seen it before, it starts with secret negotiations and then it grows, people are afraid to pass it on to colleagues for fear that a rumour might start. These things must first be considered in teh club and discussed with everyone, but I believe that it’s possible that both Marotta and Maldini didn’t know anything about it.”
The 75-year-old was adamant that such a proposal would have been rejected during his time at Inter, between 2006 and 2012, under the Presidency of Moratti, whilst assessing UEFA’s response following the collapse of the Super League proposal.
“I think Inter would have pulled out (under Moratti). The battle would have been fought at UEFA on the redistribution of revenue and not by organising a championship ad personam.
“UEFA have been wise, anyone who returns is automatically forgiven. At this point I would like the 12 clubs to demonstrate the reality of their claims by starting a discussion on the methods of redistribution. It would be legitimate. If I wanted to break away because I was not happy with how things are, then I would put on the table why I was looking for an alternative.”
Current Inter owners Suning are facing a financial crisis as they look to bring investment in and coach Antonio Conte has sought clarity, but Paolillo felt it should be handled internally.
“Conte worked in line with the club even when wages were not paid. He was able to keep the relationship with the players strong, creating trust and overcoming the difficulties.
“I think we need to question what the real intentions of the owners are and the club needs business continuity and investments to remain competitive. It seems fair to me for a coach to ask for these guarantees, but perhaps they should be asked within the club and less so in the newspapers.
“Only Suning knows how it will be resolved. I hope that the economic situation in China will turn out for the better. The country is pushing for GDP growth and the recovery of the world economy. At some point, some of the constraints been placed by the government will gradually be eased too.”
Inter are currently on course for the Scudetto this season and a return to the Champions League, having gone out at the Group Stage this year, but Paolillo cautioned against overcommitting to spending.
“They absolutely must invest, but spending must always be prudent. Sometimes you spend a lot and still don’t win. The Cristiano Ronaldo case (at Juventus) is proof of this.
“Against Spezia Inter deserved to win. In Naples the goal came from an own goal, then they recovered and it’s not easy against a good team like Napoli. They still deserved to win.
“The played very well (against Spezia), another match is gone and the advantage at the top has increased. Now we must know how to manage games and not put ourselves in danger. I am certainly optimistic,” Paolillo concluded.
