Mourinho backs Zenga as his successor

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho on Wednesday gave his backing to former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga as his eventual successor at the San Siro.

Mourinho’s league leaders Inter host fourth-placed Palermo, coached by Zenga, on Thursday in a match the former Italy goalkeeper would like to believe is a title clash.

Zenga caused a stir last week by claiming he wants to win the title this season with Palermo while it is also no secret that we would like to one day coach Inter.

So far his team have delivered with a 1-0 victory over Juventus the highlight of a positive start to the season.

And Mourinho believes there is more to come from Zenga.

“Walter is a great friend of mine. I like him because he doesn’t worry about his image, he’s original and he defends his team,” said the Portuguese.

“It wasn’t crazy talk when he said he wants to win the title but a great motivation for his players.

“It certainly won’t be me who decides but I’d like it a lot if one day he took my place.”

Zenga spent 12 years of his playing career with Inter, winning the title in 1989, before going on to coach in the United States, Romania, Serbia and Turkey before joining Catania in 2008.

After just one successful season at Catania Zenga left to join their bitter Sicilian rivals Palermo.