Can Man City, with new signings David Silva & Yaya Toure, land the 2010/11 Premiership title? See the full betting here.

Inter president Massimo Moratti claims England coach Fabio Capello was never a realistic candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at the club.

Capello was touted as a leading candidate for the Inter post and him being linked with the vacancy persuaded England to offer the Italian a new two-year deal.

Ultimately, though, the reigning European champions opted to appoint former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Moratti told Sky Italia: “Capello was a realistic hypothesis that lasted two-and-a-half days, the time over a weekend which ended on the Monday.

“He wasn’t in competition with Benitez, it was realistic but then it turned out not to be.

“I didn’t touch anything, there was a question which was then rescinded by itself.”

Moratti insists the Spaniard should not be considered second choice.

He added: “Benitez is one of the coaches who had a certain type of international experience, I heard great things about him and we went straight for him.

“We also considered alternatives because it was a difficult decision. Benitez is very professional, works very hard and has similar work systems to Mourinho, studying the games and opponents.

“He guarantees serious work and, I hope, good results. On a human level he’s educated, courteous, likeable, not too insistent even when talking about signings.

“Mourinho was (insistent) only for (Ricardo) Quaresma but that didn’t go well and he eased off after that.”

Moratti also indicated that Inter would not be splashing out on lavish signings this summer.

“We have to push on with what we’ve got, a group that has done well,” he said on a squad that landed a Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League Treble last term.

“There’s a different coach who has a slightly different vision to the one who was here before but who will try to maintain our success.

“Then you can allow yourself the whim of youth. You don’t have to look for a star but a functional player.”

Can Man City, with new signings David Silva & Yaya Toure, land the 2010/11 Premiership title? See the full betting here.

Make sure you don’t miss any of the last news and articles from World Soccer. Subscribe to World Soccer today and take advantage of our all 50th anniversary offer, saving up to 50%!