Miranda speaks out: criticises Spalletti, reveals Inter secrets | OneFootball

The interview given by João Miranda to Gazzetta dello Sport reopens a complex chapter of his time with the Nerazzurri.

Miranda breaks the silence: direct criticism of Spalletti and behind-the-scenes stories about Inter

The former Atlético Madrid and Inter defender, a key figure at two of Europe’s most structured clubs, offers a candid and in-depth account of his difficult relationship with Luciano Spalletti during their time together in Milan.

“At Inter I was among the best, but Spalletti created a climate of fear”

Miranda, now 41, doesn’t mince words when evaluating his experience under the Tuscan coach. “At Inter, for a period, I was the best defender in the league,” he says, also recalling the extraordinary partnership with Diego Godín at Atlético, a duo he describes as “unrivaled,” even superior to famous pairings like Ramos-Varane or Juventus’ BBC.

The most delicate issue, however, concerns his personal relationship with Spalletti: “He imposed fear. As a coach, nothing to complain about: he brought Inter back to the Champions League and laid solid foundations. But as a man… let’s not go there.”

Miranda insists on an internal atmosphere he experienced as hostile: “He lived in terror that someone would speak badly of him. He doesn’t like those who express different opinions. After an argument over football matters in my last year, I started playing less and less. One time I was a starter, the next I wasn’t. It’s impossible to find consistency that way.”

“The worst coach in Italy on a human level”

The Brazilian draws a clear comparison with other coaches he had during his time in Italy: “Mancini was a gentleman. De Boer was misunderstood. But Spalletti was the worst from this point of view.”

What emerges is a management style perceived as personal and not group-oriented: “The armband taken from Icardi? Private matter. That’s how he thinks. When he targets you, it’s over.”

On Icardi, Miranda offers an interesting counter-narrative: “Despite everything that was said, Mauro was always professional. And he kept scoring again and again.”

His biggest regret remains not winning trophies with the Nerazzurri, despite the quality of the squad and years of technical stability.

Lautaro, Inter’s present and his Champions League prediction

The Brazilian defender also dedicates a passage to Lautaro Martínez: “Lautaro is among the five best strikers in the world. He has strength, technique, quality. He can score at any moment.”

Looking ahead to the Champions League clash between Atlético and Inter, he offers a balanced prediction: “I see it as even. I’m attached to Atlético, but I had four extraordinary years in Italy.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.