Samuel Eto’o says he is keen to make up for lost time as the Cameroon international targets a win in the FIFA Club World Cup which would complete his set of major club honours.
Eto’o missed the 2006 event through injury while with Barcelona, whom he had helped to glory in the Champions League that year against Arsenal before starring in another Champions League success three years later at the expense of Manchester United.
Having won a third European crown last year as his new side Inter cantered to an unprecedented treble under former coach Jose Mourinho, Eto’o is now keen to steer the Italians through tomorrow’s semi-final against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, of South Korea.
Inter have endured a difficult period of transition since Rafael Benitez arrived from Liverpool to take up the baton from Mourinho.
The team had to settle for runner-up spot in their Champions League group behind debutants Tottenham following a 3-0 drubbing at Werder Bremen – meaning they must face a real heayweight rival in the last 16, while in Serie A they place only seventh, 13 points behind leaders Milan.
Even so, Benitez has made a priority of the Club World Cup and Eto’o, given his absence four years ago, likewise believes the status gained from winning the title is well worth aiming for.
“We’ve been thinking about the tournament ever since we won the Champions League final in Madrid. The pressure is there but that’s a positive thing because it’s always great to take part in elite competitions,” he said.
Inter won the equivalent event back in 1964 and 1965 and Eto’o said completing the hat-trick is a top objective.
“This club has a great history behind it and has already won lots of silverware. But it still needs to win a lot more because the number of trophies it has to its name doesn’t reflect the size of the club. This team now has the opportunity to re-write its history and make it even greater.”
The other semi today pits Brazil’s Internacional of Porto Alegre, who beat Barcelona in the 2006 showdown, against Tout Puissant Mazembe, of Congo.
Mazembe may be the underdogs but are confident after beating Mexico’s Pachuca in their quarter-final.
With a strong attacking line comprising the likes of Alecsandro and Argentine Andres D’Alessandro the Brazilians will be expected to come through to a predicted final against Inter.
But coach Celso Rothy warns: “Mazembe have a competitive team and they will be difficult. They are tough but also have technical qualities.”
Semi-Finals
Playing today (5 p.m.) – TP Mazembe vs Internacional.
Tomorrow (6 p.m.) – Seongham Ilhwa vs Inter.