Mourinho slams Italian press

(GSM) – Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho has slammed the Italian media again, in his lengthening feud with the press by issuing a statement ahead of his side’s Serie A clash with Bologna.

The former Chelsea and Porto boss has endured a difficult relationship with the press since his move to Italy with the situation worsening in recent weeks.

Mourinho, who has often declined to attend press conferences, answered questions from fans on the Inter Channel this week and the media have acted on one of his comments.

Asked whether the title race was now a three-horse race following his side’s recent poor run, Mourinho said: “I don’t want to talk about the championship. It’s not a three-horse race. It’s a fight between one team and many other things.”

The press interpreted this as a dig at the football authorities, of whom he has fallen foul on a number of occasions this season, but Mourinho said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Who changed my words, ‘many other things’? Not me.

“Don’t I even have the right to talk to the Inter fans without someone poking their nose in at all costs???”

He then continued with a message to his club’s supporters, saying: “Tomorrow it’s just us: tired, injured, suspended. Us, who, together with you, have to win a very difficult match against Bologna.

“Sincere thanks to all the fans for the support and the great passion that they transmit to us, and that we all feel.”

Meanwhile, Mourinho has named Mario Balotelli in his squad for the first time in nearly a month.

The 19-year-old, who has been linked with a move to AC Milan, reportedly infuriated Mourinho by donning a Rossoneri jersey during a television show last month but this week issued a statement apologising for his part in the spat.

Inter have four players suspended for the Bologna clash – Samuel Eto’o, Maicon, Lucio and Javier Zanetti – while Wesley Sneijder is battling an injured ankle.