A Second Chance - F.C. Internazionale

"We have just received the information that F.C. Internazionale Head Coach, Walter Mazzari, has been sacked by the club's board. On a statement by Chairman Erick Thohir, it was also expressed the appointment of his interim appointment, the 45-year old Colombian and former international - Julián Serrano-Gnecco. This ends the almost 2-month run of Walter Mazzarri heading the Milan club and begins Serrano-Gnecco's interim reign over the players and coaches of this very reputable club.

Serrano-Gnecco, who is a former Inter player and international for Colombia, has wide experience in the football world and was recognized part of the golden generation of Colombian youth football. He was part of Colombia's Under 20s and subsequently the National Team with the likes of Faustino Asprilla, Freddy Rincon and Carlos Alberto 'El Pibe' Valderrama. After successful spells in Millonarios, Boca Juniors, and Inter, and almost 20 years of professional football, Serrano-Gnecco retired and decided to stay away from the world of football for a while. Since then, Serrano-Gnecco has dedicated his life to his other passion, books and literature.

After long years of retirement, Serrano-Gnecco decided to come back to football and so he was called by then-coach Jose Mourinho to take part in the Under 19s as assistant manager. With Mourinho a strong alliance was formed which gave Serrano-Gnecco the opportunity to serve in the first team and become a close advisor to Mourinho. With Mourinho's departure, Serrano-Gnecco was offered a chance to be in the next Real Madrid squad with Jose Mourinho in its head. Nevertheless, he decided to remain in the Italian club and wait for his moment."

#1 - Serrano-Gnecco begins duties as Inter Manager

Very early in the morning, Serrano-Gnecco and his Assistant Manager Nicolo Frustalupi offered a press conference to announce that a great majority of the current staff will be kept as it was the manager's wish to continue with the same philosophy and method it was getting along with these couple of years. The only notable changes in Serrano-Gnecco's staff is the retirement of Aristide Guarneri and Raffaele Quaranta, both deciding to retire into private life after decades of service to the club; and the inclusion of Under 19's coach Carlos Amadeu from Brazilian club Vitoria.

Good luck!

Very nice start, love the lay-out.

#2 - Pre-season begins for Inter || New signings announced

Only 3 days after the Inter board appointed Julián Serrano Gnecco as the new manager for Inter, in an interim duty, new signings have been announced to a team that according to Serrano-Gnecco “needs quick revival and direct revitalization”. These are the words from Inter’s interim Manager joined by Football Director Piero Ausilio in this morning’s press conference:
Piero Ausilio: “We’re here to announce the incorporation of Sotiris Kyrgiakos (GRE), Franco Zuculini (ARG), and Ivan Obradovic(SER). We’re glad these players have chosen Milan as their next workplace, and hope that under the orders of a great tactician like Serrano-Gnecco, they can excel and solidify this club’s expectations into reality. I will now give the floor to our Manager, thank you very much.”

Julián Serrano-Gnecco: “Thank you, Piero. As you know, the club’s present condition, including its finances, are not the best, but they’re in order and we really don’t want to further this club into trouble. Thankfully, we have a great team here in Inter. We have great staff, and a sound board of directors, that understand the dynamics of football and its ever-changing nature.

We managed to sign through free transfers Sotiris Kyrgiakos and Ivan Obradovic. Sotiris has showed the world of his great strength and his ability to become a pillar for the team. Joined by Walter [Samuel]. Hugo [Campagnaro], Rolando, and Ranocchia I’m sure Inter’s defense will be one hard wall to penetrate. Regarding Franco Zuculini, signed from Arsenal [de Sarandi], everyone can see what a joy of player he is. With only 22 years old, I can see him rising through the ranks and even lead the club to glory.

Reporter from Gazzeta dello Sport: “Good morning, Julián. Now that you’re here as the new Interim Manager for Inter, how does it make you feel you’ve been only designated in a temporary duty while a reputable and more experienced manager is found? Thank you”

Julián Serrano-Gnecco: “Good morning. Well, I don’t know if I should find that question offensive or not. Still, I believe in the trust our chairman and the board has placed on me. Its important to know that I’m no stranger to the club, I know how it operates, I know its philosophy and while I may not have years or decades of experience ahead of world-class teams, I was a world-class player and can assure you and everyone else I understand the game better than others. Time will tell, and along with it, results, too. Thank you very much.”

It has also been announced the 5 matches comprising F.C. Internazionale’s pre-season.
-- vs. Manchester City (ENG)
-- vs. Oliveirense (POR)
-- vs. Wolfsburg (GER)
-- vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER)

Some good signings...not sure about Kyrgiakos, as I think he is injury prone! Good luck at the pre-season friendlies