Former Inter and Bayern Munich striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has praised club chief Beppe Marotta for his work off the pitch. He believes the Italian exec achieved remarkable results despite working with limited financial resources, as the Nerazzurri prepare to end their season with a double – Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League.
Rummenigge spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in an exclusive and exalted Marotta’s ability to assemble a competitive squad despite the economic constraints.
“I congratulated my friend Marotta. In my opinion, he’s been a genius this year, he had to build a team that is now a Champions League finalist on a shoestring budget. It’s not like he spent a boatload of money or had it on hand. He is an exceptional general manager. Perhaps today they understand that in Turin too. When I managed Bayern and he Juventus we did a lot of business: he’s very serious and intelligent, but he knows how to assess the market by virtue of fair play.”
Inter face Manchester City in the UCL final next month, and Rummenigge believes that the English side being the favorite could very well play into the cards of the Nerazzurri.
“Inter must not feel beaten, as being the underdogs could be an advantage. It’s just one game, and they can do damage. They don’t need a miracle but only a win. They are capable of doing it.”
The Nerazzurri emerged second behind Bayern Munich in the group of death, dumping Barcelona in the Europa League.
“No one thought Inter would qualify in that stage. I said they would advance with Bayern, but I did it out of affection. Everyone was betting on us and the Blaugrana. But Simone Inzaghi succeeded. The team is not to be underestimated and it’s solid in all departments. The defense is stingy, they run and work hard in the midfield, and they are all willing to sacrifice. Up front, Lautaro Martinez is a center forward worthy of a world title, Edin Dzeko is always fresh and Romelu Lukaku improves from game to game. They can hurt City.”
Inter currently sit third in Serie A, three points behind Juventus and just one ahead of Lazio, with three games left to play.
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