Legendary former Inter midfielder Lele Oriali believes that Roma head coach Jose Mourinho remains a formidable adversary as the Nerazzurri prepare to face the Giallorossi.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, Oriali spoke about his time with the Portuguese tactician at Inter, while also praising the growth made by the Nerazzurri.
Inter and Mourinho come up against each other as opponents for the first time since the coach left the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2010 when he hosts his former club at the Stadio Olimpico.
The match will be an emotional reunion for both parties, but at the same time both will be fully committed to getting the results they need.
Oriali believes that the Nerazzurri will present a very tough test for Mourinho’s Giallorossi team, but at the same time he feels that the former Inter coach’s abilities cannot be underestimated.
Oriali said of the coach that “he’s prepared for everything, he knows the world and he knows football.”
“It will be a special match and it’s nice to reunited with him,” he went on, “even if he now coaches another great team and I think he just needs time to make the difference.”
“Roma are young,” he emphasized, “they need 2-3 years of work, and the four at the top of the table who are fighting for the Scudetto. Being just behind them would mean that Mou did his best.”
Oriali stated that “He looks to me to be the same as ever, the same old sly fox. And I think he has integrated into his new surroundings well, as though he has been in the capital for years.”
“This demonstrates his skill and intelligence as well,” he added. “Whether the Romanisti ever have the same love for him that we do will depend on his time there.”
On whether the Portuguese coach will be emotionally affected by the reunion with Inter, Oriali stated that “No, he is experienced, something that has grown with time – he knows how to deal with moments, he knows how to manage emotions.”
He went on that “All the Inter fans will thank him forever, including me, and he will always have a special place in our thoughts.”
“But this time, he is facing a very strong team, an Inter who are doing very well,” he stressed. “Indeed, we must congratulate the directors who, after all that has happened and the summer departures, has managed to put the pieces together and find the right players.”
He concluded that “Inzaghi is doing very well with a project started three seasons ago. Not unlike how Jose took over from the work of Mancini.”
