Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez gestures during their Italian Serie A soccer match against Chievo Verona at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi stadium in Verona, in this November 21, 2010 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

 

Related story: Benitez still Inter Milan's coach, says Moratti

Inter Milan's coach Rafael Benitez will stay at the club, according to club president Massimo Moratti. [Photo/Agencies]

ROME - Rafael Benitez remains coach of Inter Milan, insisted club president Massimo Moratti, despite renewed speculation the Spaniard had been sacked on Tuesday.

After attending a meeting at the club's Milan offices, Moratti declared in answer to a question whether Benitez was still Inter boss: "Yes, yes. There are no other thoughts.

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"I have heard of and read about contacts being made with other coaches, but the club has not made contact with any other coach and will not until the situation is clarified."

Earlier, Benitez's agent also dismissed rumors suggesting the Inter Milan coach's days at the club were numbered.

"No one called me and I've had no meeting scheduled with Massimo Moratti," Manuel Garcia Quilon told the ANSA news agency.

"Benitez wants to continue to do his job and continue to work to improve the club."

Benitez had looked ever closer to the exit door after Moratti blasted the former Liverpool boss for his post-Club World Cup outburst.

Having seen his side beat Congolese outfit Tout Puissant Mazembe 3-0 to win its fifth trophy of the year, Benitez launched a tirade against the powers that be at Inter.

He accused his bosses of failing to support him in the transfer market and accused the players of taking their own decisions.

A furious Moratti was reported to be set to fire Benitez even though the dismissal of the former Liverpool boss, who took over from Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho during the summer, could cost the club between four million and eight million euros ($5.25 million to $10.5 million).

Brazilian Leonardo, who left as coach of city rival AC Milan in May after just one season as manager, was tipped to succeed Benitez after Zenit St Petersburg said its boss, Luciano Spalletti, would be staying in Russia.

"Let's not joke," Moratti said when asked about reports he had held talks with Leonardo.

Former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga had also been linked with the job despite Benitez saying on Monday he was surprised by the reports about his imminent sacking.

AFP - Reuters