A Coach does not win by himself - Benitez

Mourinho conquered the Treble last term and declared it was “a dream” for Benitez to waltz in with the team already in place.

“I say ‘we won,’ all together,” replied the Spaniard on Inter Channel. “A Coach does not win by himself. He does so with the players, the club and the fans. We all win together.

“First of all I’m surprised Mourinho talked to the media, because he doesn’t usually speak, does he?” smiled Benitez.

“It is clear to all that this is a strong side and it was already when he first arrived at Inter. It’s always the same basic issue, we talk about who wins: in other words, the club and the players.

“If everything was so perfect then why isn’t he here? Why did he decide to join another club? It was his decision...

“I am here and very happy. The team is good, the club is strong and the fans are passionate. Mourinho can talk all he likes from the outside, but it’s better if we concentrate only on the work we must do for Inter.

“I will not make comparisons and I don’t want anyone else to do it either. I’m just here to win.”

The Nerazzurri begin planning the defence of their Champions League title when the draw for the group phase takes place today.

Tomorrow evening they face Atletico Madrid for the European Super Cup in Montecarlo.

“Clearly I am here to work for Inter and hope to be here for a long time, representing these colours. If I achieve that, it’ll mean we have won a great deal.

“Mind you, if I stayed as long as Sir Alex Ferguson has at Manchester United, I’d be about 75. I’d have to come to the training pitch with a walking stick!”