Rafa struggling with tactics

(GSM) – Internazionale boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that he is struggling to convince his players to switch to his own tactics following the departing legacy of Jose Mourinho.

The former Liverpool boss took over the reins this summer after his Portuguese nemesis departed for Real Madrid on the back of the Nerazzurri’s treble-winning season.

Benitez saw his side suffer a shock 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on Friday, the Spaniard’s first competitive game in charge, and they open up the defence of their Serie A title away to managerless Bologna on Monday.

While Benitez put the below-par showing in Monaco down to fatigue, he revealed the little time he has spent with some of his senior stars has prevented them from adapting to his new approach.

“The transition is proving complicated,” admitted the former Valencia coach.

“I don’t want to make a revolution, we’re at the beginning of our work and those who played a lot last year have only just returned from the World Cup.

“We need to try to continue to do what we do well and learn gradually. We know that we have to work on physical and technical aspects to improve.

“But we know that right now it’s not the system that will make the difference, you win with your attitude, with character.”

Benitez vowed to learn from the defeat to the Europa League holders and hopes it can prove to be the wake-up call he feels his players need.

“A defeat is not positive but I’m sure we will react,” he added. “We’ve lost a game and that will be a stimulus for everyone, it has to be,” he said.

“We tried to win in Monte Carlo, we’re not happy. But Atletico Madrid were training for that match for two weeks, we only arrived the day before.

“I repeat, our physical condition can’t be at its optimal level after the World Cup.”