Inter Milan caught in Inzaghi-Al Hilal saga weeks after PSG collapse
Less than a month after the PSG debacle, Inter Milan is once again entangled in the drama surrounding Simone Inzaghi’s departure
Less than a month after the PSG debacle, Inter Milan is once again entangled in the drama surrounding Simone Inzaghi’s departure
Less than a month after the collapse against PSG, Inter Milan once again finds itself dragged into a matter that seemed to be settled.
The statements made by Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada confirm that the Saudi club and Simone Inzaghi had already reached an agreement long ago.
"Inter Milan would have gladly avoided reading Esteve Calzada’s comments, CEO of Al Hilal, regarding an agreement reached before May 31st.
These words only served to confirm how inappropriate it was to approach the match against PSG in such a manner, burdening the minds and focus of the entire staff – and the press – with concerns over Inzaghi’s future.
Embarrassment and disappointment: those were the club's feelings upon waking up yesterday in California and reading Calzada’s words," reports Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.
"The embarrassment is total," the article continues, "because it brings back memories of the May 26th media day press conference, when Inzaghi, in front of the entire club's leadership, effectively admitted he had received offers.
The club would have preferred a different way of handling the issue. In fact, it was almost certain it would go differently. No one expected to hear such statements.
The embarrassment, in hindsight, stems from a truth that was not complete – and even worse than the reality. Clearly, the focus in those days was not where it should have been: on the PSG match."
Club left in the dark as Inzaghi's move was already set
"Then there is the disappointment," it adds, "from a club and leadership team that felt kept in the dark.
They had spoken with Inzaghi several times, including the week before the final – almost daily discussions in which no one sensed a decision had already been made and planned.
In fact, the club hadn’t even contacted other coaches, as they were convinced of continuing with him.
Sure, a hint of doubt had crept in when Inzaghi, after the final, said he couldn’t guarantee he’d lead Inter Milan at the Club World Cup.
But everything seemed back to normal in the hours after the match. The contract was ready in the drawer – only the signature was missing.
In the end, the game was revealed. And now it can be said more clearly than ever: it was a dangerous game."