Inter take first step on road to redemption
Reuters - Thursday 25 November 2010, 09:29
MILAN - With Champions League last 16
qualification in the bag, Inter Milan have a little bit of
breathing space to try to sort out the glaring problems which
still threaten the defence of their title and season as a whole.
A 1-0 win over Twente Enschede on Wednesday did the job but
their display was again largely insipid and in front of goal the
burden of expectation which comes with being European champions
looks too much for some players to bear.
Under pressure coach Rafael Benitez was looking at the
prospect of being called into president Massimo Moratti's office
for an uncomfortable chat had the game not gone his way but
Esteban Cambiasso's fortunate 55th minute strike spared him.
"It was very important, at this club we are all united and
fight for the same aims," Argentine midfielder Cambiasso told
reporters after speculation all was not well in the camp.
"Now we can concentrate on Serie A and the Club World Cup.
When we are back to full strength we'll be fine."
Getting injured players such as Diego Milito, Maicon and
Julio Cesar back fit is the next challenge for Benitez as well
as finding a system that accommodates all and persuading the
club new faces are needed in January.
Reports say Chievo's Ivorian teenage forward Gadji Tallo
will be the first arrival.
With the Italian champions sixth in Serie A and desperate
for a resurgence domestically, the final Champions League Group
A game at Werder Bremen looks more like a sideshow and players
are likely to be rested despite top spot still to be decided.
That game on December 7 precedes the Club World Cup, which Inter
will head to with pride but also with hopes of recharging their
batteries for bigger tests ahead.