Mourinho gives Leonardo the blessing Rafa didn't have

Category: Football

Publish Date: 12-27-2010 06:39 PM -0500

Former AC Milan player and manager Leonardo has officially been named Rafa Benitez's replacement at Inter and Jose Mourinho has wasted no time in expressing how much more he likes the guy who isn't Rafa Benitez.

Whereas Mourinho made a point to tell the press that Rafa wouldn't do better than his treble-winning season at Inter and that the team still belongs to him, he has done the exact opposite for Leonardo -- giving him the full Special One Seal of Approval. 

From Football Italia:

“Leonardo is great. I ask the Inter fans to welcome and support him the way you did me!” Mourinho told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Last season Leo proved he is a Coach of real potential. He is a great professional and not to be tagged as a Milanista. He dedicated many years to Milan and will now do the same for Inter with the same passion.

“I really do wish him every success. Please support him.”

So with Jose backing Leonardo instead of doing whatever he can to publicly undermine him at every turn, will Leo last longer than Rafa's six months? Most likely. Also likely: Rafa slashing Jose's tires in the middle of the night.  

Photo: Ansa

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