Inter stars are split over Mourinho's appointment

A number of senior players - Luis Figo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo among them - were understood to have been happy at the sacking of Roberto Mancini last week.

But others, including Italy's World Cup- winning defender Marco Materazzi, Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar and teenage striking sensation Mario Balotelli, have yet to be convinced by the arrival of Mourinho.

Materazzi is believed to have told the Inter hierarchy that he will leave the club if Mourinho fails to guarantee him a first-team place, while Balotelli has been even more forthright about his intentions.

When asked about his future under Mourinho, the 17-year-old said: "If I don't play, then I will leave. It is as simple as that."

Mourinho will also have his work cut out to put a smile back on the face of Cesar, whose career progressed dramatically under Mancini.

He said: "I don't understand why Mancini was sacked, especially as he helped us to win the Serie A title.

"I am very sad because it was Mancini who brought me to the club and he always had great faith in me."

Such divisions would worry many managers but Mourinho's work at Chelsea proves he has the ability to overcome uncertainty and disunity within a squad.

When Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge in June 2004, a number of players - Frank Lampard and John Terry among them - were genuinely upset to have seen the back of the popular Claudio Ranieri.

But so great was the Special One's impact at Chelsea that, within weeks, the same players who had spoken out against Ranieri's departure were full of praise for the Portuguese.

Where Ranieri had failed to lead Chelsea to the Premier League title, Mourinho guided the team to the domestic championship in each of his first two seasons, as well as winning two Carling Cups and one FA Cup during his three-year tenure.

Mancini managed three domestic titles at Inter but he could never quite master Champions League football, which is why Inter president Massimo Moratti has turned to Mourinho.

Mourinho led Porto to the trophy in 2004 and he will be expected to repeat that at Inter after signing a three-year contract with the club yesterday.

The 45-year-old will also be relieved that he has some powerful allies within the Inter squad.

Figo, 35, would undoubtedly have quit Inter had Moratti stuck by Mancini but the Portugal legend has indicated he would be prepared to continue now his countryman has been appointed.

Ibrahimovic had appeared on the verge of a move to Barcelona, yet the Sweden striker is now ready to sign a new five-year deal with the club worth £167,000 a week after tax.

And despite never managing to nail down a regular place at Chelsea when Mourinho was the manager, Crespo was full of praise for his new boss.

The Argentina forward said: "When I was at Chelsea, I used to think Inter were the right team for Mourinho.

"He does things the right way and he always explains the situation. He has respect for players and people but just because I know him, it doesn't mean my place in the team is guaranteed.

"As for Mancini's sacking, I was not surprised."

Moratti is keen for Mourinho not to overhaul the entire squad, which is one of the strongest in Europe.

He said: "I appreciate Mourinho's professionalism. He is an experienced manager capable of giving the squad the verve they need to reach the heights.

"For next seasonwe will concentrate very much on the current team. We will put our faith in Ibrahimovic, but also in [Argentinian pair] Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

"We will not start a revolution and we must give our younger players a chance."