
DOHA: Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini (pictured) has laid down the title challenge to his main Serie A rivals by saying that his side has taken a liking to the top spot in Italy.
“I hope we can be at the top of the table at the end of the season too,” the former Italy forward said in an exclusive chat with www.sc.qa yesterday.
“The championship in Italy is very difficult with very good teams, but now that we are at the top we want to be there until the end,” he said.
The former Manchester City manager also said that the Blues were clear favourites to triumph in England, and that they were the most successful team since the turn of the decade.
“It is my opinion that Manchester City are the best team in the Premier League of the past four seasons. Maybe in this moment they have some problems, but I think that in the end Manchester City will win this Premiership.”
Having returned to Qatar a month after his last visit, Mancini said football fans in the region could look forward to a “memorable game between two top teams in Inter and PSG.
He concluded that Qatar’s progress towards 2022 FIFA World Cup was clearly visible.
He said: “From when I was here one month ago it has changed a lot. I think they are doing a really good job with this World Cup in Qatar and I am happy about being here and witnessing this.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani yesterday met with Inter Milan delegation which was headed by chief Erick Thohir.
PSG officials were also present during the meeting that concluded with a luncheon hosted by QFA for the visiting guests.
French giants PSG and Inter Milan were in Doha for a friendly which was played at Al Sadd Stadium. Inter Milan CEO Michael Bolingbroke was also present during yesterday’s meetings.
The luncheon yesterday was attended by Saud Al Mohannadi, Vice President QFA, Hani Balan, CEO of Qatar Stars League (QSL), and Mansour Al Ansari, Secretary-General of QFA.
Matters of mutual interest were discussed and ways to promote football in Qatar and the region were debated in detail.
Later QFA President presented mementos to the visiting officials.
Also yesterday, Inter Milan announced on its website that the Italian giants have launched a new Arabic Twitter profile for all its Arabic fans. From yesterday, the @Inter_ar profile joins @Inter, @Inter_en, @Inter_id and @Inter_jp on the social media platform.
Inter fans can follow the brand-new page for news, photos, videos and more exclusive content: everything you need to know about the Inter world in Arabic.
What are you waiting for? See you at @Inter_ar!
THE PENINSULA