Mou: Ibra's got just one fault...
Jose Mourinho believes there is only one thing that Zlatan Ibrahimovic lacks. “He never scores ugly goals!”
The Swede smashed in two corkers for Inter's 2-0 victory away to Palermo this evening, a solo effort from distance and a rocket of a free kick.
“To be a complete player, Ibra needs to score an ugly goal! He never seems to get a lucky ricochet or a clumsy tap-in, they are always fantastic goals!” joked the Coach.
“We didn't play the way we wanted to in the first half, but at the same time Palermo made it difficult for us because they have a fantastic spirit and fired up fans. They had a few chances and pushed us in midfield, so it was tricky to combine quick passes.
“In the second half we did not wait for the game to come to us. We discussed at half-time that this was the way we would lose it and this was the way we would win it. I wanted the team tighter and it worked.
“I think Palermo realised the game was practically over when those two goals went in.”
He adjusted the system in Sicily with Julio Cruz partnering Ibrahimovic and Sulley Ali Muntari the tip of a diamond midfield.
“These were important points and we are in front, so tomorrow we can relax and not pay attention to Sunday's results, as whatever happens we are the leaders.
“I played this way because I knew that was Palermo's system with the diamond midfield. [Fabio] Liverani is an important figure for them and Muntari did a good job defensively. We adapted to our opponents, played a solid game and are satisfied with the three points.
“I can simply say that my team can play with different systems and we have the ability to choose. Tonight we chose this way to confront Palermo, next week Juventus will probably have a 4-4-2, but Claudio Ranieri might have a surprise for us.”
Ivan Cordoba will not be there for that top of the table showdown next Saturday, as he picked up a ban.
“Obviously I'm not happy about it, but this is football and today's game was no less important than next week's. In my philosophy it is impossible to leave someone out because he is on a card.
“We have [Nicolas] Burdisso and [Marco] Materazzi, then we will make a decision. [Walter] Samuel is doing well and he will play again.
“A Wednesday of internationals is always terrible for me, as I channel-hop never quite watching anything and wait around for messages on the fitness of all my players around the globe.”
