Moratti backs under-fire Benitez

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti on Monday brushed off any speculation surrounding the future of coach Rafael Benitez ahead of the club’s debut in the Club World Cup on Wednesday.

Inter play South Koreans Seongnam Ilhwa with a place in the final against either Brazlians Internacional or Tout Puissant Mazembe of Congo up for grabs for the winners.

But back home Inter are struggling and dropped to seventh in Serie A and 13 points off leaders AC Milan in their absence last weekend — although they have a game in hand.

They also finished second in their Champions League group behind Tottenham and the pressure has been mounting on Benitez amidst a succession of poor results.

But, for the moment, he has his president’s backing.

“Oh give over,” said Moratti when asked about Benitez’s future, before turning his attention to the Club World Cup.

“We’re confident and we’ll try to give our all. Now we hope that our players are all in the form to repeat what they did last year.”

That would be a tall order since Inter won the treble of Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup last season.

But they have suffered many injuries in this campaign, although Moratti insists the future is bright now that they are getting their players back.

“There’s only a couple of days left and tomorrow I’ll go down there,” he added.

“There’s a good climate and finally Benitez has everyone available.”