Mancini's Feint

After Inter was knocked out of the Champions League in the first knock-out round—again—coach Roberto Mancini announced this would be his final season with the Milan club. The club and players were confused, especially since, earlier this season, Mancini signed a four year contract extension.

Within 24 hours of Mancini's declaration, he reneged. He claimed his earlier comments were the result of being too upset and emotional from being dumped out of the prestigious competition yet again. He would not be leaving. But this raises the question: is it his decision anymore?

Inter and its fans have been anxiously awaiting European victory since 1965. President Massimo Morratti has been trying to assemble a world class team to repeat the feat of 1965.

In the wake of Calpocioli scandal, Inter have become Serie A's giants. They were awarded the 2005/06 Scudetto when Juventus were found guilty of match-fixing shenanigans. They captured the 06/07 Scudetto in a Juventus-less Serie A and with an A.C. Milan suffering from a points penalty. This season, they are in first place, a slim six points ahead of A.S. Roma. But despite their success in Italy, they do not seem to have the right frame of mind for UEFA's top club tournament. Strong on paper, this team has consistently failed to come through in big games

With regards to the latest tie with Liverpool, I felt the two red cards, in each leg respectively, were unfair. I would have perferred an 11 v 11 battle in both legs. But I have no say on the matter (unfortunately). I do feel for Inter. but I can't help but view their accomplishments over the last three years as circumstantial. Their repeated exit from the Champions League may prove that they are not as strong many of us had believed.

Mancini's recent actions have no doubt affected the Inter locker room, where mutiny has already been brewing. Lucky for Mancini, captain Javier Zannetti backs his coach unconditionally. He has presumably kept the locker room in check. But even a great guy like Zannetti was no doubt shaken up by the fact his coach was ready to jump ship so quickly.

Now let's assess the Jose Mourinho factor. He is arguably the most important Portuguese figure in soccer today. He's also out of work and big team coaches are certainly feeling his breath down their necks. Mourinho has stated he will only sign with a big team with a president who will give him full support in his vision. Italy or Spain are his primary objective, he has said. Media reports of Inter President Morratti and Mourinho exchanging terms of affection to each other undoubtedly made Mancini sweat even more. After the Champions League failure, perhaps he thought it better to quit and keep his dignity. Unfortunately, that only works if you actually quit. Now it looks like he pulled the 'I Quit' stunt simply to hear some reassuring words from the president, team, fans, and media and to squash the Mourinho rumors. I feel that will not be the case. Mancini has effectively shot himself in the foot.

If he didn't want to quit Inter, he might have inadvertently gotten himself fired.