Rafa Benitez faces sack in next 48 hours after astonishing attack on Inter president

20 December 2010 15:10
Rafa Benitez is expected to be sacked as Inter Milan boss in the next 48 hours after launching an astonishing attack on club owner Massimo Moratti.[LNB]The former Liverpool manager hit out moments after Inter's 3-0 Club World Cup win over Africa's TP Mazembe, as he used the post-match press conference to pour out months of pent-up frustration.[LNB]There were shades of his bitter war of words with ex-Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, towards the end of his time at Anfield, as he accused Moratti of showing favouritism to predecessor Jose Mourinho and fumed: 'Last year, Moratti spent 80 million euros on five players, but this year he has spent nothing for me.[LNB] On top of the world: Inter Milan celebrate winning the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi[LNB]'I don't know why that has happened, but it has left me 100 per cent disappointed. I deserve more respect.[LNB]'In August, the club promised me three players, but none have arrived. I have had to shoulder all the blows and responsibilities.[LNB]'It seems to me there are three options now for the club. One, 100 per cent support for the coach and four or five new players to build a stronger team. Two, carry on like this, without a project or any planning and go ahead with one person to blame. [LNB]'Three, speak to my agent and reach an agreement. Simple.'[LNB]Benitez's blunt ultimatum for Moratti to back him or sack him looked like backfiring, as Inter's long-serving president made it clear he took a dim view of the outburst.[LNB]He vowed to savour Inter's triumph but made it clear he was in the mood to end Benitez's San Siro reign, after barely six months, once they returned to Milan.[LNB] Bad timing: Benitez attacked Inter president Massimo Moratti after the cup win [LNB]Asked if Benitez had ruined the Inter party, Moratti said: 'No, forthe moment, no. His comments are not suitable for the situation, but,for now, this Inter fan is a happy man. [LNB]'I am not going to talk about Benitez or his future for the moment.[LNB]'But clearly, this is not the moment to ask for reinforcements, and it is not something we will decide now.'[LNB]Benitez has kept his home on Merseyside and made no secret of his wish to return to Liverpool for a second spell in charge. [LNB]Current boss Roy Hodgson is under pressure, after a poor start, butnew owner John Henry would be wary of taking on a coach with a trackrecord for picking fights behind the scenes.[LNB]If Benitez is sacked, the FA will be bracing themselves for an approach for Fabio Capello from Inter.[LNB]However, Benitez's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon insists the Inter coach is unfazed and said: 'Benitez is under contract with Inter and the situation is the same as it was before.[LNB]'Benitez said what he said and he does not need to explain himself further. I have not been contacted by anyone.'[LNB] Inter Milan 3 TP Mazembe 0: High five as Rafa wins Club World CupInter Milan beat Asian champions to reach FIFA Club World Cup finalFA allow Inter Milan chance to woo England boss Capello[LNB]  Explore more:People: Massimo Moratti, Fabio Capello, Tom Hicks, Rafa Benitez, John Henry, Roy Hodgson, Jose Mourinho, George Gillett Places: Liverpool, Milan, Africa

Source: Daily_Mail