Inter Milan â€“ Opposition Views

James · February 23, 2010

We talk to Inter Fan Akash from India ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash at the San Siro. (Rockball from forzainterforums.com)

What are your expectations for the remainder of the season?
Serie A â€“ We will win it. I think it will become tougher since we will drop some points now but in the end we will prevail.
Coppa Italia â€“ We should win this too though we aren’t motivated for it.
Champions League â€“ If we manage to get past Chelsea, then I would fancy our chances of winning it. But not very hopeful of it.

How many years have you supported Inter Milan for?
Around 8-9 years.

How have you liked our former coach Jose Mourinho since he signed with use?
This is an interesting and debatable question. We appreciate some of his management changes like having the youth team also train closer to senior team etc.

His man-management skills and constant standing up for Inter in the media are what we like the most. It’s very difficult since in Italy, Inter are always the target of the media irrespective of our good or boring play, irrespective of us winning or losing games, irrespective of the fact that Inter are always the victim of double standards. Jose isn’t the darling of the media here unlike in England. It’s something that has taken its toll on him.

On the other hand, tactically he hasn’t been up to the mark. I would grant him some concession on his first year since it was a new league and players for him. But even with a lot of changes and 1.5 years into the job; he hasn’t been able to find the right balance for us.
I would rate him 6/10.
Having said that, I would still like to stick with him for a while and see how far he can develop us. Another reason for that is the lack of managers out there who would be considered a big improvement over him.

Which Inter player should we look out for?
Ancelotti would be well aware of this. Sneijder is our creative threat and I am sure he will be tightly marked. 90% of our creativity comes from him.
Milito too has been very good and become a fan favourite in a very short while. But he isn’t the strongest physically. Chelsea are immense in that aspect.

Your Favourite Chelsea Player?
No favourite really, but I like Terry. I like defenders to show the kind of steel he does. I also think Drogba is a fantastic player. I used to like Deco and Ballack but that was 3-5 years back. I have hardly followed them since they moved to Chelsea. I would say that I prefer Chelsea to win the EPL since I can’t stand Manu or Pool. I am indifferent to Arsenal.

Finally, your prediction for our two Champions League clashes?
I think we will manage to score in the knockouts this season. Chelsea would go through on away goals. I would also mention that my replies were very moderate and not extreme in terms of fanaticism for Inter or against the opposite team.