Javier Zanetti has reflected that current Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho’s team selection policy at Inter was always ‘for the best of his team’.
Mourinho has come under scrutiny this term for a reported bad working relationship with Iker Casillas leading to the Spain No 1’s extended period on the sidelines in favour of Diego Lopez.
For Zanetti, who worked under Mourinho from 2008 to 2010 at San Siro, the Portuguese always worked on merit.
“I do not know what has happened in the dressing room at Real Madrid, I can only talk about my experience at Inter,” commented the Argentine on Onda Cero and Radio Marca this week.
“I was his captain and Mourinho was a Coach that always thought for the best of his team. He called it as he called it, what he wanted was that the team functioned.
“If any big player had to be left out, he did not care. He was playing those who were doing best and that at each moment gave greater assurance.
“At Inter we achieved what we achieved because everyone got the message.”
Those achievements at Inter included a League, Cup and Champions League treble in Mourinho’s second year, before his departure to Real Madrid.
“I have a very good relationship with Jose. It was sad to say goodbye to Mourinho after the Champions League Final. For all of us it was a big blow when he decided to join Real Madrid.
“We were very comfortable with him and understood that he wanted to go on to win in another country.”
Zanetti has just begun the long road to recovery from recently damaging his Achilles.
“Mourinho was one of the first that called me after the injury. He said he knew me and that I would have no problem in coming back.
“My first thought is to recover well, calmly, quietly, and then I’ll see how I feel. Before getting hurt I had thought of playing for another year so I hope that the injury allows it.
“In life I have been very lucky and privileged. My intention is to play until I can and then to stay tied to Inter.”
The Argentine then had words for his countryman Lionel Messi.
“As much as one is a phenomenon, we all go through a complicated stage… To him it was being given the responsibility to lead Argentina, which we do not forget.
“I do not understand why he is constantly compared to Maradona. To me he does not need to win a World Cup so that they can be compared. Leo has won everything.”
