Nigeria Content Online

A tactical master
class in Madrid saw Jose Mourinho give Internazionale their first
European Cup since 1965. In two years at the San Siro, the charismatic
and controversial Portuguese coach built a team that relied on hard
work, discipline and resilience to become kings of the continent once
more.

I saw it coming.
Leading up to the semifinal tie against Barcelona, I wrote that Inter
would eliminate the defending champions and go on to win the title. My
opinion was formed after watching the Italian giants teach Chelsea a
footballing lesson that Carlo Ancelotti will not forget anytime soon.
So, indeed, they went on to contain the almighty Barca and then
prevailed against Bayern.

There are many
unsung heroes in Inter’s line-up. I have always been a big fan of
Esteban Cambiasso. The way he plays is so simple and he makes the
creative players around him shine. As we say in Portugal, he carries
the piano so other ones can play it.

It is astounding to
me that he has not been picked for Argentina’s World Cup squad. His
compatriot Walter Samuel will be in South Africa and during Inter’s
victorious campaign he lived up to his nickname of “The Wall.” The
ferocious tackler was simply insurmountable at the centre of Inter’s
defence.

Tactical genius

Back to Mourinho. I
know coaches do not score goals and they do not win games, but he was
highly influential throughout Inter’s victorious campaign. He spun a
defensive web that had the best teams in Europe trapped, dazed and
confused, unable to find a way out and unable to break them down.

His style has been
criticized for its disregard of entertaining football, but you have to
respect his managerial skills and ability to get the best out of his
players at all times.

So what now for
Jose? Another fascinating challenge as he takes the reins at Real
Madrid. It is a match made in football heaven, isn’t it?

Well, some may say
it is a combustible situation. A mix that would put world’s most
high-profile club, which has ruthlessly hired and fired ten coaches in
as many years in their pursuit of glory, in the hands of a coach who
likes to do things his own way and demands loyalty.

The explosive
potential could lead to disaster, however, we should all know better
than that by now. My understanding is that Mourinho has been offered a
four-year-deal worth a reputed $9 million per season – a contract that
should ensure some much-needed stability in direction for the club.

Even though Real
have not won the European Cup in eight years and have been knocked out
in the last 16 consistently, they will be a different proposition with
Mourinho.

He will surely
bring in some familiar faces (Maicon, Diego Milito) that are already
well-versed in his football philosophy, and then he will go out and get
a star player to complement his midfield.

Steven Gerrard,
Frank Lampard are possibilities. Whoever he gets and however he builds
his team, you can be sure of one thing. He will be successful.

CNN Sport
correspondent Pedro Pinto will anchor CNN International’s coverage of
the FIFA World Cup in South Africa www.cnn.com/worldcup