Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini has confirmed he intends to step down at the end of the season.
Mancini was speaking after Inter were knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool.
The former Italy international has been in charge at Giuseppe Meazza since 2004 and has enjoyed plenty of success during his time at the club.
Inter are on course for a third consecutive Serie A title this season, but Mancini confirmed he does not intend to fulfil his contract.
“I know I still have four years to run on my contract, but the next two-and-a-half months will be my last guiding Inter,” Mancini told reporters.
“I’ve told the lads and it’s right to tell everyone.
“It’s a decision I’ve taken and has nothing to do with tonight’s defeat.”
Discussing the Liverpool defeat, the Inter coach said playing both legs with 10 men for a time made the task impossible. Inter’s Nicolas Burdisso was sent off for a foul on Lucas Leiva after 50 minutes.
“Obviously playing 10 against 11 is the biggest problem and if you are trying to recover a match you can not do that,” Mancini said.
“In the first half there were four tackles from behind from Liverpool defenders that were never punished.”
According to Corriere della Sera Inter president Massimo Moratti was stunned by Mancini’s decision to resign.
The newspaper claims that Moratti and his fellow directors, Marco Branca and Lele Oriali, remained in the home dressing room with Mancini until past midnight trying to convince the coach to change his mind. Mancini was reportedly close to tears, explaining that he could no longer handle the pressure coming from inside the club.
Mancini’s announcement is likely to intensify speculation that Jose Mourinho will take over at Inter after the former Chelsea boss recently expressed his wish to coach in either Italy or Spain.
