So maybe a week ago, new Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho declared he had too many defenders in his team. Now he must be eating those words as he seems to have only one fit defender in the team left, that also the man everyone thought will be leaving, Argentinian Nicolas Burdisso. Marco Matterrazzi got himself injured few days back, Ivan Cordoba and Walter Samuel have still not completely recovered from their long-term injuries from last season, Christian Chivu is still injured and I can’t seem to find out where in the world is the Columbian Nelson Rivas. As for the wingbacks, luckily for the Portugese Special One, Maxwell, Maicon and Javier Zanetti (who plays like a 25 yr old even though 34!) are all fit and ready to go, so no concerns there…hopefully!
Everything doesn’t seem to be going too well for Jose Mourinho. He lost the Tim trophy, coming last place after Milan and Juventus, even though new signings, Muntari and Mancini had a somewhat good game. Adriano is clearly not the striker he used to be, even though he claims to be have overcome his problems. His ego will definitely prevail as the season goes on, as he will probably be third choice striker after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz. And with Mourinho most likely to play with the 4-3-3 formation, it means obviously Zlatan will be heading the spearhead, with Mancini and Mario Balotelli supporting him in the wings. But he may take into consideration the fact, Zlatan is injury-prone and Julio Cruz at 34 is not going to play many games. As for Hernan Crespo and David Suazo, we all know they are on their way out of the club as it is no point keeping players who are going to play a maximum of 10 games in the season and get those fat wages for it.
Then there is the midfield. Both Viera and Figo seem to produced 1 good game out of 3. And both, yes that’s right, get injured alot. That leaves with Dacourt and Jiminez to take their places..not very convincing replacements. But as for the Chilean, Luis Jiminez I feel, has proven his worth in my eyes. With good pace and an eye for goal, he had a good run of games in the team after Figo’s injury. New signing Sulley Muntari is no Essien, but he has been a capable soldier for Portsmouth, but that was Portsmouth. I wonder if Mourinho will use him in a more attacking role or more of a box-to-box midfielder. My money is on attacking as Frank Lampard was his first choice to bring to his team and he clearly is an attacking player.
All in all, I think a good squad. The defence, when fit is rock-solid, and two very capable goalkeepers in the ranks. But the season start I believe will be slow for them with the team still getting used to the 4-3-3 formation and the defence creaking. Lets hope its not too slow that they will be playing catch up with city rivals Milan most of the season..
