ROME: European champions Inter Milan sacked coach Rafael Benitez just a few days after he guided them to the World Club Cup title and looks set to be replaced by former AC Milan coach Brazilian Leonardo.
The two parties reached a mutual agreement over terminating the Spaniard’s contract ending days of speculation about the former Liverpool manager’s future. This comes after Benitez had used the World Club Cup win to launch a bizarre outburst against the club’s board and their lack of support in the transfer market as well as an attack on the players.
“Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract,” said the statement. “Inter thank Benitez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the Fifa Club World Cup.”
Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, had only been in the post since July after leaving Liverpool by mutual consent.
The Spaniard had lashed out at Inter after the win on Saturday and had said, “My relationship with the president is good but I ask the club for help and respect. They did not come up with the goods after what they told me in the summer about signings and so it’s not easy.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2010.
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