Mourinho Man of the Match for Inter president

(GSM) – Internazionale president Massimo Moratti praised coach Jose Mourinho after their Champions League success against Chelsea.

“Mourinho was the Man of the Match,” said Moratti. “He had courage with the decisions he made during the last few days and tonight he picked the right line-up.”

“The players were very professional and the defenders in particular were fantastic.”

It is the first time Inter have reached the Champions League quarter-finals since 2006, ending a taboo for the club.

“If we start putting this victory down as a positive thing, that’s wonderful, but there are more to follow!

“We have a side that proved it has quality and also has the necessary character to keep going forward in the competition.”

Mourinho left the rebellious Mario Balotelli out of the squad that travelled to London and Moratti believes the Portuguese manager was right to do so.

“Mourinho made the right decision, so it means someone else did not do the right thing for the club.

“As I consider Balotelli to be a player of immense talent, I trust he will now prove he is a great professional and Mourinho will be very happy to field him again.”

It was also a win against the current Inter form, as they lost 3-1 at Catania on Friday and their Serie A lead is reduced to just one point.

“Inter had a very good second half in Catania then we made mistakes with our player correctly sent off.

“I had confidence in the performances, as over the last few weeks even draws had seen decent football aside from the game with Genoa. I therefore had the utmost faith that this would go well and the team was in good shape.”

The Nerazzurri are in the quarter-finals along with CSKA Moscow, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern München and Olympique Lyon.

“We always say that we’d love a big club to put ourselves to the test, but ultimately that’s all show. If we get an ‘easier’ opponent, then we’d be more than happy!

“I think this side can handle three competitions and also we’re still at the quarter-finals, so we need to keep hold of the Scudetto race,” Moratti concluded.