Moratti backs Benitez and expects Eto'o ban
Reuters - Monday 22 November 2010, 11:47
MILAN - Rafael Benitez's job will not be
under threat even if Inter Milan lose this week's "very
important" Champions League home game with Twente Enschede, club
president Massimo Moratti said on Monday.
Media reports had speculated the Spaniard would be sacked if
Wednesday's Group A game, where holders Inter can progress to
the last 16 with a win, goes badly.
The treble winners lost 2-1 at Chievo on Sunday to fall nine
points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan, who beat their
lacklustre rivals in the city derby two weeks ago.
Asked if faith would be shown in Benitez irrespective of
Wednesday's result, Moratti told reporters: "Yes but we must try
to get a good result because it is rather important.
"The coach and the squad must understand that Wednesday's
game is very important. Tired or otherwise, the game absolutely
needs to be played with anger because otherwise we won't go
anywhere."
Benitez was always likely to face a tough job in matching
Jose Mourinho's stunning season last term when Inter won the
Champions League, a fifth straight scudetto and the Italian Cup
but a raft of injuries and lack of new buys have hit his plans.
"I'm pleased to have the feeling that the team and the club
have certainly not shown a lack of confidence in him," Moratti
added.
Inter are likely to find out on Tuesday whether top scorer
Samuel Eto'o will be added to a lengthy list of absentees after
headbutting Chievo defender Cesar in the chest.
The officials missed the incident but Serie A will assess
video evidence and the Cameroonian could face a suspension for
several games.
"It could lead to a heavy ban. I hope nothing happens, but
it's difficult," Moratti concluded.