Old foes meet again, but Benítez remains focused

(GSM) – Internazionale boss Rafael Benítez remained focused on the Club World Cup final despite his side being drawn against Bayern München in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The February tie would mean a repeat of last season’s final, when a Jose Mourinho managed Inter defeated Louis van Gaal’s Bayern München at the Santiago Bernabéu.

However, Benítez has asserted that Inter’s immediate focus is on Saturday’s Club World Cup final against Congolese TP Mazembe in Abu Dhabi.

“I think it will be interesting for the fans and players who were on the field and who experienced the final in Madrid,” said Benítez,who succeeded Mourinho in the summer, on Friday.

“Bayern München are an excellent side led by a great coach.

“Now, however, the most important game is tomorrow’s and only after that do the European ones become important.”

Inter president Massimo Moratti expects Bayern to be planning a payback mission when the Champions League resumes.

“It’s an interesting draw, for them they will feel a sense of revenge,” he said.

“We’ll have to see in what condition they’re in when the game comes around, and also us on a psychological and athletic level.”