Benitez: "Strong mentality is key to continued success"

Benitez stated the number objective one objective was to ensure the team does not stop winning after last seasons historic treble.

Inter expected 14 players to train today, new signing Luca Castellazzi, Mario Balotelli, David Santon and a number of players returning from loan deals returned.

"I have spoken with two or three people at the club. They all have the same strong mentality: to want to win, do things in the best way possible. The president wants to keep winning and this is good for me because I want to win too. Marco Branca has the same idea. I have spoken with Zanetti, Eto'o, Cambiasso, Sneijder, Milito and many others, and they all want to win too. We have to keep the same mentality." Benitez answered when asked about the mentality of the team.

When asked about the situation regarding Mario Balotteli, Benitez said "I want to know all my players personally. He is an important player and I want to talk to him and get to know him. After that, we will see. Every player is important for me. They are quality players. I have to see how they work, see their mentality and talk to them."

Benitez also made it clear when asked the what the difference was between a manager and a coach, "A manager has responsibility for everything. A coach has more responsibility on the pitch."

Benitez also showed the press something that they have not seen from a Inter coach in a couple of years, a smile and a joke.

When asked if the famous octopus would help him in the transfer market, Benitez said "Yes, but the Galician octopus. My wife cooks the best Galician-style octopus. On holiday in Sardinia I spoke with the chef in the restaurant and he cooked this speciality of Galicia." 

Mourinho stated on many occasions that he did not enjoy staying in Italy. When asked about Italy, Benitez smiled and said  "Italy is similar to Spain in terms of the people and mentality. I had my first problem with my car today because the steering wheel is on the other side. I was used to driving on the other side in England." 

Regarding changes in training systems and the training ground, Benitez said, "We might change a few things here at the training centre. We want to work in the 'cage', in the gym, do work with the injured players. We will change a bit of everything, and then I hope we go on the pitch and score lots of goals." Benitez then smiled again and said, "And we need to change something here in the press room... It's like a sauna. We need to install air conditioning..."

The journalists for once ended the Inter press conference with a smile, and for now Benitez is on good terms with the ever critical Italian media.