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Rome - Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri poured cold water on plans to sign Carlos Tevez after watching his side stun champions AC Milan and thrust themselves back into the Serie A title race.
AC Milan pulled out of a deal to sign Tevez last week after Brazilian Pato refused a move to Paris St Germain.
A turbulent week, in which coach Massimiliano Allegri also signed a contract extension, ended with the crucial 1-0 reverse in the Milan derby, leaving the champions a point behind leaders Juventus and now only five ahead of their neighbours.
With Tevez now still looking for another destination to end his Manchester City nightmare, Inter Milan have emerged as possible front-runners for his signature.
They have already bid €25 million for his services but last week president Massimo Moratti seemed resigned to the fact the Argentine would be heading to the red and black half of the city.
But having started the derby with playmaker Wesley Sneijder and forward Diego Forlan on the bench, Ranieri is not sure he really needs Tevez to bolster his squad.
"We've found balance, what can his lad give us if he isn't playing and what will he take away," said Ranieri.
"We're playing well and we've rediscovered that vital self-belief. It was said that the team was finished and the players washed up but they're showing that they still have a lot to say and do.
"We will evaluate with the president all the operations and whether or not they're useful."
With the team on a run of eight wins in their last nine Ranieri is reluctant to change anything, which means Sneijder and Forlan are likely to have to bide their time before they get a look in.
Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini are both scoring goals and the midfield is functioning well.
"They (Sneijder and Forlan) are two great players who will be brought into the fold," said Ranieri.
"Right now, though, they're going to have to be patient, take their time to get back in the team and then give everything to show what they're worth."
Even president Massimo Moratti seemed coy about the possibility of snatching a player their bitter city rivals seemed desperate to sign, so much so they were willing to allow Pato, five years Tevez's junior, leave.
"Ranieri has a lot of faith in the current group so we have to be careful not to make any mistakes," said Moratti.
"The coach has definitely sorted out the team in good time and that was the most important thing.
"The team reacted really well. It's amazing how (captain Javier) Zanetti moves like a youngster and Milito is dangerous again."
