Benitez eyes Inter changes

Benitez: Tactical changes

Inter Milan manager Rafa Benitez believes his new team still need fine-tuning as they work towards the start of the Serie A campaign.

The Nerazzurri have been touring the United States as part of their pre-season preparations, giving new boss Benitez the chance to run the rule over his squad.

The Spaniard - who succeeded Jose Mourinho in the Giuseppe Meazza hot seat - said he was pleased with the outcome of the two-week camp.

But he admitted he wanted to make alterations to his side's tactics after bringing his players' fitness levels up to the desired standard.

"The players had to improve their physical condition," revealed Benitez.

"That was not easy as the players who were involved in the World Cup finals arrived late as a result, but overall we are happy now with their state and we can now focus on the tactics.

"If we can improve in our pressuring of our opponents when they have the ball and score three goals immediately on counter-attacking that would be a good thing."

Important

Benitez takes charge of his first Serie A match against Bologna on 29th August and he is hopeful highly-rated defender Maicon will still be in his ranks.

The right-back is reportedly the subject of interest from former manager Mourinho, who wants to bring the 29-year-old Brazilian to the Bernabeu

But Benitez reiterated the importance of the stopper to his side - insisting that the player retained the desire to play for the Milanese giants.

"Maicon is without doubt a good player and he was the difference in several matches last season," explained the former Liverpool boss.

"For us he is an important player. We know that Real Madrid were interested in him but I repeat, for us, he is important.

"At this stage the player is here and I think that he is hungry to win as the rest of the team, that is to say together."