Mourinho shrugs off Inter Milan exit

(GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho insists he is unconcerned by suggestions that he has failed in his main objective of improving Internazionale's Champions League record following their exit at the hands of Manchester United.

Inter were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford to lose their last 16 tie by the same aggregate scoreline and afterwards Mourinho was rounded on by the Italian media.

The reigning Serie A champions have now been dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage in each of the last three seasons, but after their latest disappointment a defiant Mourinho played down the significance of the defeat.

"The first thing I will do is have a meeting with my president to explain to him why we got knocked out and what we have to do. I am accountable to him. He is the person I need to speak to about how we reach the next stage," said the Portuguese coach.

"But there is not a psychological barrier. I am sad that we lost but there is no reason why we cannot go on to win the Scudetto."

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has vowed to fight on despite his club's Champions League defeat to Arsenal.

Roma lost 7-6 on penalties after their last 16 tie finished all-square at 1-1 and afterwards Spalletti's future at the Stadio Olimpico was again brought into question as they are currently occupying a disappointing sixth place in the Serie A table.

"As far as my contract is concerned, it is not a problem," he said.

"I love this club and will not be going anywhere. We have to just keep on in the same way."

Veteran Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved could be set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a rib injury during Tuesday's Champions League clash against Chelsea.

Nedved had to be substituted in the early stages of the 2-2 draw, a result that led to Juve's exit from Europe's premier competition at the last 16 stage.

A brief statement on the club's official website read: "Nedved didn't train (on Wednesday) as he received a knock to one of his ribs. His condition will be evaluated on a daily basis."

Meanwhile, Edy Reja insists he is not bitter about Napoli's decision to axe him and bring Roberto Donadoni in as his replacement.

Reja guided the club to two promotions during his tenure at the Stadio San Paolo but a poor run that has seen Napoli slip to 11th in the Serie A table finally led president Aurelio De Laurentiis to sack him.

However, Reja said: "These were five great years and I'm sad that it ended like this. Now I hope the club can get out of this tough period and I wish them all the best.

"I hope the change can bring a new enthusiasm to the team and some important points, starting with Sunday's game against Reggina.

"The squad is obviously technically talented, but Donadoni will find a different environment to the one he encountered at Milan and with the Azzurri. Good luck to him."