MD1: Inter v Sampdoria [31-08-08]

[LaVecchiaSignora]

Jose Mourinho has hinted that he expects Inter to sign Ricardo Quaresma and has named nine of his 11 players to face Sampdoria tomorrow.

The Portuguese tactician was first asked about rumours that the Nerazzurri had agreed a deal with Porto for forward Quaresma.

“I don't want to tell any lies,” he said. “At the moment Quaresma is a Porto player and Pelè is ours.

“But I won't be selecting Pelè against Sampdoria because it could be that he is transferred today or tomorrow. However, there is no agreement at the moment.

“It's no secret that I wanted Lampard, but I couldn't be happier with Sulley Muntari.

“I have absolutely forgotten Lampard. I wanted two wingers and a middle player with different characteristics to the men I had. I have total faith in the rest of the unit.

“Up front we will stay with Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz, Adriano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Mario Balotelli as a second striker or a winger.

“Luis Figo and Amantino Mancini are on the wing and Quaresma too, if he arrives. If he doesn't come then I will have to work hard with Luis Jimenez so that he can play that role.”

Mourinho then paid tribute to his players for their resilient attitude in the face of an injury crisis.

“It's a question of mentality,” he said. “Even Cristian Chivu has told me that he will be ready for next week, which is ahead of schedule.

“Nelson Rivas is injured as he was before the Roma game but there are no alternatives and that's why he told me he would play against the Giallorossi - he played and we won.

“I think Ibrahimovic could play every day because he wants to play in spite of his fitness problems.

“I'll give you an example - against Roma I had warned the team to treat every ball that John Arne Riise played as a cross and after 45 minutes I saw Ibra in our box heading the ball clear - that's desire and that is my Inter.

“He also wants to play for Sweden and I respect the Swedish Coach. He respects me too, which is why he has protected Ibra in friendlies. I never say that my players can't play for their countries and I never will.”

Inter will have to be careful of Antonio Cassano, who is an inspirational figure for Sampdoria.

“He is a great player,” the Special One admitted. “I have studied him and have thought about him this week.

“Samp have done very well over the last year and have only lost twice at home but we still aim to win.”

When asked about team selection, Mourinho willingly named nine of his 11 starters for tomorrow's Serie A opener.

“It will be Julio Cesar, Douglas Maicon, Esteban Cambiasso, Marco Materazzi, Maxwell, Dejan Stankovic, Muntari, Javier Zanetti, Ibrahimovic and two others,” he revealed.

Inter's Scudetto defence begins against Samp at Marassi at 7.30 pm tomorrow evening.

Shouldnt be to hard of a test..the only thing i like about samp is their kit haha

[llewelyn]

FT 1-1.

A draw was a fair result imo. Palombo played well. I really like his game. Him and Zanetti were going at it all night.

[sinoy1]

Palombo was a stand out.I liked Cassano although he should have buried a few of those chances... he was lively as always.Always caused problems.

Ibrahimovic is the man.Simple as that.Caused so many issues for the defenders.