Monday, June 07, 2010

Mascherano Keen To Follow Benitez To Inter

Javier Mascherano has dropped a bombshell by admitting that he wants to follow Rafa Benitez to Inter Milan.

The Argentina captain, in South Africa preparing for the World Cup, believes his former Liverpool manager would be a perfect replacement for Jose Mourinho at the San Siro. And Mascherano hinted that he would also like to ply his trade in Serie A.

The midfielder has been stalling on a new contract while chaos has reigned at Anfield over the past three months.

And with Benitez set to meet Inter president Massimo Moratti in the next 48 hours – just days after being sacked by Liverpool – Mascherano said: “Only Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho.

“He is a great coach. He has charisma, personality, a winning mentality.

“Moreover, he will find himself brilliantly in Italy because of the tactical game.

“Rafa studies everything on the table and directs the team from the bench like an orchestra conductor.

“Inter have made a good choice.

“After Mourinho, he is the only man capable of ­continuing Inter’s winning run.”

Liverpool will save £2million if Benitez joins Inter, with the Spaniard’s compensation package set to rise from £4m to £6m if he is still out of work at the end of the summer.

Mascherano appeared to send out an instant come-and-get-me plea when he added: “At the moment I really know little about my future.

“But, of course, with Benitez at Liverpool I experienced three ­incredible years.

“His football is my football.”

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