By Grayson Dowding:

My analysis on the misfortunes of two of the world’s greatest football clubs has somehow driven me to the conclusion that this crisis is no coincidence nor predestined cycle of the ‘changing of any guard’ or whatever – rather it is a matter of poor planning and ideological misconceptions.


Inter Milan and Arsenal undoubtedly have a place in the heart of any true football fan whether you want to admit it or not as these are historically two of the most entertaining football teams to watch any day anytime. However, it goes without saying really – if you fail to deliver off the pitch then you are bound to fail on it.

I am failing to understand why these iconic teams have been allowed to self destruct – both engulfed in a whirlwind crisis and are really struggling to make any impact on their respective leagues this season.

Internazionale – poor strategy by Moratti?

Forgive me, if you can, for just relying on my bad memory here but I recall a few seasons ago when AC Milan had a similar problem – losing a few games early and not looking too sharp under Leonardo but they recovered to finish second(or maybe third) and thus securing Champions league football in one of the greatest recoveries of all-time.

Nevertheless, the case with Inter just seems a bit different. This time I cannot help but think this position, in a way, was the result of poor strategy on the part of club President Massimo Moratti.

I really like this stalwart of a leader but I cannot agree with his choice of Benitez for the coaching job. Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world ever and to replace him with the Spaniard was the turning point in the current fortunes at Inter.

Benitez, as fas I am concerned, is too arrogant, lack experience and is too limited in strategy to manage at this level. Liverpool were lucky – with Gerard in top form and some of the most inspirational support from Carragher, Alonso and company they managed a Champion’s league trophy in 2005 and also a second place finish in the EPL a few years later.

Nevertheless I wouldn’t go crazy over Benitez as I have watched him for all those years at Liverpool, and consistently too since then, and I am convinced he is not the complete package.

This is where Moratti failed as he should have tried another option since Italy is recognized as the ‘defensive blueprint’ of World football – and Benitez is certainly not going to get my vote as the genius in that area.

Then came Leonardo – one season and relative success – was not totally out of his depth as he wasn’t a bad coach but certainly would need some time and support to do the job eventually.

Next up was Gasperini, five games and a total disaster, needs no more time as he failed to understand the system. He needed to use tactics that worked at Inter not what worked at Genoa – different caliber players, same league but totally different ballgame.