Benfica manager Jose Mourinho praised Inter Milan for their recent Champions League performances after his side’s victory over Napoli, highlighting how the Nerazzurri have reached two finals in a short span while emphasising the importance of financial investment in modern football success.
Mourinho Hails Inter Milan’s Champions League Achievement After Benfica Beat Napoli
The Portuguese manager spoke to Sky Sport following Benfica’s 2-0 victory over Antonio Conte’s Napoli in Lisbon, a result that inflicted substantial damage on the Italian side’s hopes of securing an automatic last-16 berth in this season’s Champions League. Mourinho used the opportunity to reflect on the broader landscape of European football and Inter Milan’s recent achievements in the competition.
Despite Inter Milan’s recent setback against Liverpool at San Siro, where they lost to what was described as a phantom penalty awarded by referee Felix Zwayer, last season’s Serie A runners-up remain firmly in contention for a coveted top-eight finish in the current Champions League format. The Nerazzurri have appeared in two finals over the past three Champions League seasons, an achievement that has caught Mourinho’s attention.
Mourinho emphasised the economic challenges facing teams from certain leagues, noting that the last Portuguese team to win the Champions League did so more than 20 years ago, while the last Italian team claimed victory 15 years ago. “There’s definitely something there; I think the economic aspect is fundamental,” the former Inter manager explained. “The teams that win are the ones that invest the most.”
The Special One specifically highlighted Inter Milan’s exceptional performance relative to their spending power, acknowledging that unlike many other European giants, the Nerazzurri have achieved outstanding results without splashing out insane figures. “Inter have reached two finals in a short span, so an Italian team hasn’t been that far from winning,” Mourinho concluded, suggesting that Inter’s recent runs demonstrate what Italian clubs can achieve in Europe’s premier competition.
