Rafael Benítez eyes more trophies at Inter Milan

Rafael Benítez is keen to emulate his predecessor Jose Mourinho by winning more trophies with Inter Milan.

The Spaniard has already claimed the first accolade of his Inter reign with a 3-1 victory over Roma in the Italian Super Cup in August and the former Liverpool boss is determined to add to that title, starting at the FIFA Club World Cup next month.

Benítez told CNN: “This team has won the Italian Super Cup, which is a minor trophy, but still a trophy, so hopefully we can now win the Intercontinental (FIFA Club World Cup) and everything will be easier.”

Inter qualified for the tournament courtesy of their Champions League triumph last May – a title that added Mourinho’s impressive record in Milan. Mourinho guided his former side to two Serie A titles, an Italian Cup and Champions League glory during his two-year spell at the San Siro.

Benítez readily admits he faces a difficult task in stepping into the shoes of Inter’s most successful managers but is keen to leave his own distinctive mark on the side.

“From the beginning I wanted to keep the things they were doing well, the style of play,” said the former Valencia manager. “But after a while you try and do things your way.”

And Benítez hopes to leave his own legacy at the San Siro. “I think it is always the same when you go to a club that has won something.

“When I arrived at Valencia they had just played (and lost) in two Champions League finals and Liverpool was the same, they were talking about the past and how they were winning trophies.”