Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez sacked by Inter Milan: Italians turn to Leonardo
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has been sacked by European champions Inter Milan just six months after replacing Jose Mourinho at the Giuseppe Meazza.[LNB]It compounds a disastrous year for the Spaniard who was sacked earlier in the summer at Anfield after six years on Merseyside.[LNB]Benitez, 50, guided Inter to glory in the FIFA Club World Cup last week n Abu Dhabi - an achievement his predecessor Mourinho insisted was down to his hard work.[LNB] Axed: Rafa Benitez has been sacked at Inter Milan after just six months in the job[LNB]On Monday, Benitez denied speculation that he had been dismissed. He told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: 'I have not been sacked. I am quite surprised by some of the headlines I read in the papers. [LNB]But it is understood he will negotiate a severance package with San Sirochiefs on Wednesday morning before the club officially announce his departure.[LNB]Benitez is thought to have angered Inter officials when he publicly club president Massimo Moratti to back him in the transfer market.[LNB] Hard times: European champions Inter have failed to repeat their form of last season, losing in the Champions League earlier this season at Spurs[LNB]He accused them of favouring the previous management regime lead by Mourinho and failing to sufficiently back him in the transfer market, concerned that funds would not be available for the forthcoming January window.[LNB]Moratti, however, attempted to play down reports Benitez had been axed on Tuesday night, telling reporters outside his offices in Milan he remained in charge of the club[LNB]'At the moment the coach of Inter is still Benitez,' Moratti said after holding meetings with club officials.[LNB]'I haven't been in contact with any other coach.'[LNB] Man for the job: Inter Milan will turn to former AC Milan boss Leonardo to replace Benitez[LNB]But Sportsmail understands former AC Milan coach Leonardo is said to be the man to succeed Benitez, charged with improving the Italian champions fortunes.[LNB]Inter have struggled to match last season's form, slipping down to seventh in the league after Benitez was only able to mastermind six wins from 15 games in charge.[LNB] Not Inter-ested: Capello will stick with England as Benitez looks set for axeBenitez fights to dodge Inter axe by claiming this is best time for 20 years!Benitez faces sack in next 48 hours after amazing attack on Inter president [LNB] Explore more:People: Massimo Moratti, Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho Places: Milan, Liverpool
