Cup win can ´save Benitez´

Rafael Benitez believes winning the FIFA Club World Cup will secure his future as Inter Milan coach.

Benitez joined Inter in June, charged with the unenviable task of replacing treble-winning manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spaniard has endured a torrid first half of the season, with Inter already 10 points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan.

Club president Massimo Moratti is widely rumoured to be close to dismissing Benitez, but the former Liverpool and Valencia man remains defiant.

“I have always been relaxed,” Benitez said.

“There is so much talk about my potential replacements, but I am the Inter coach, I want to win this Club World Cup and I’m sure that if I do then I’ll be here for a long time to come.”

“I spoke to the President both before and after the game. He was relaxed, as he understood everything, said he knew what the situation was and that’s enough for me.”

“It’s clear for him and it’s clear for me.”

“We are here to win the Club World Cup and if we can do that it’d be important for Inter, the team and all our fans.”

Benitez acknowledges the pressures inherent in such a high-profile role, but insists he and the team can return to form.

“When a coach reaches this point, it is a unique opportunity. Clearly there is only one target, to concentrate and win. I work with Inter for 14 hours a day.”

“This side has quality and I am convinced we can do well because you don’t gain or lose quality in one day. We must use our heads, legs, tactics and above all spirit to take this trophy.”

“We have to win, but above all to win convincingly.”