Materazzi hits out at Benitez

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has praised Jose Mourinho for his achievements at Inter Milan but criticised his successor Rafa Benitez.

Last Updated: 14/11/12 at 14:16 Post Comment

Marco Materazzi: Has lauded Jose Mourinho but accused Rafa Benitez of being '

Marco Materazzi: Has lauded Jose Mourinho but accused Rafa Benitez of being '

The Portuguese won the Supercoppa Italiana, the Coppa Italia, two Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League during his two-year spell with the Italian side.

He quit the club in May 2010 to join Real Madrid, with former Liverpool boss Benitez appointed as his replacement the following month.

However, he endured a difficult time at the Giuseppe Meazza and despite winning the Club World Cup he was sacked in December, just six months after his appointment.

Materazzi, who left Inter at the end of the 2010/11 season, looks back fondly on his time at the club with Mourinho in charge but is scathing of his successor Benitez.

"Mourinho was number one. His secret was to make the players feel involved in the project," he told Sport Mediaset.

"In Madrid [during the 2010 Champions League final], he told me that he was leaving. I said to him: 'Damn you for leaving me with Benitez.'

"I did not get on well with Benitez. I had the front pages from newspapers showing the most important moments of my career, Inter with Mou [Jose Mourinho], Italy with [Marcelo] Lippi and Benitez made me take them down.

"He thought he knew everything, but he was afraid of his own shadow."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Reports: Pulis departs Stoke

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Hammers 'agree' Carroll deal

West Ham have reportedly agreed a fee with Liverpool to sign striker Andy Carroll on a permanent basis.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Transfer news: West Ham sign Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved