Mou: Ancelotti doesn't know me
As Douglas Maicon makes a remarkable recovery, Jose Mourinho says Carlo Ancelotti is “wasting his time” trying to decipher The Special One.
There were fears Maicon would be out for both Sunday’s match with Milan and even the first leg of the Champions League clash with Manchester United, but his muscular problem is not as serious as first thought.
The Brazilian will require a last-minute fitness test to see whether he can start the game, but he is in the squad and underwent a full training session this morning.
“I have no doubts over my starting XI and I don’t care how Milan play,” said the ever-confident Mourinho.
“The only question marks are over the bench, as I must reflect on how the game could pan out, so this is why I called up everyone who is available.”
Inter are eight points clear of Milan and even a draw would rule their rivals out of the Scudetto race.
“I would not accept a draw, but what really counts is winning the title, not the derby.
“We have to score when we have the chance, because it’s difficult to get an advantage in matches that are this finely balanced, so we need to be very efficient.”
Mourinho has only played the Milan derby once and lost 1-0 to Ronaldinho’s header earlier this season.
“A team that defends well cannot concede a goal like the one we let in last time, with Ronaldinho alone among five defenders. This is a game that demands great concentration in every detail, because usually the difference is minimal.”
The Rossoneri will be without Ballon d’Or winner Kaka as well as Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta and Marco Borriello.
However, The Special One was in no mood to answer questions on what he thought of colleague Carlo Ancelotti.
“I will not respond to this. Every Coach does what he wants. I do not criticise his work ethic and he can say what he wants about mine.
“I don’t waste time thinking about his characteristics as a tactician. If he spends energy analysing me, then that’s his problem.
“I respect his career, but he is Ancelotti and I am me. Perhaps he has some things that he does better than me and vice versa. We are both two important Coaches.”
Ancelotti has lifted the Champions League trophy twice in 2003 and 2007, whereas Inter are without a victory in this tournament since the 1960s.
“I don’t know why in recent years Inter have won more often in Italy and Milan have done better in Europe. I think the best team wins a League title, but the best does not always win the Champions League,” snapped Mourinho.
“As for Milan, I say the truth. I like the team, I like many of their players, but they are eight points behind us.”
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