Leonardo delighted with flying start

New Inter boss Leonardo refused to take any credit for his side’s 3-1 victory over Napoli on Thursday.

The Brazilian watched his side comprehensively outplay a disappointing Napoli outfit in his first match in charge of the club.

Leonardo dedicated the victory to the playing group, who he said have shown outstanding dedication since he arrived in December.

“This victory was entirely down to the hunger of these players,” Leonardo said.

“I don’t want to seem like I’m laying it on thick, but everyone in this squad has been at my absolute disposal from the second I arrived.”

“I was touched by their extraordinary humility and spirit of sacrifice in training. It’s really amazing.”

“This team has a soul that is always present. Benitez did well in every club he worked with, but sometimes the empathy just doesn’t click with people.”

“There mustn’t be comparisons and from now on maintain the confidence of a side that has won everything in 2010 and had fun playing its football.”

“As for climbing back up the table, it won’t be easy, but we have to take it one game at a time.”

Leonardo was particularly pleased with his side’s second-half performance as they kicked away from Napoli and made sure of the victory, keeping them seventh, 13 points behind leaders AC Milan.

“It was a game of two halves. In the first 45 minutes Napoli attacked every space with two very fast wingers, while we tried to contain them and not allow the counters, which we managed thanks to the perfect work of Cristian Chivu and Dejan Stankovic, for example.”

“We were a little stretched out in the first half, but held the ball better after the break and created many scoring opportunities.”