Massimo Moratti denies reports of Cambiasso requesting Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez’s removal
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has dismissed reports that midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has requested the sacking of Inter Milan coach Rafael “Rafa” Benitez. Reports suggested that Cambiasso had met the Inter president and
asked him to fire Benitez. Moratti was being pressurized by anti-Rafa Inter fans to dismiss the coach, who replaced Jose Mourinho for the job in June 2010 and whose tenure has been rather unsuccessful from the very start – seeing Inter lose a lengthy unbeaten
home record in Serie A and slip nine points below Milan on the table. Anti-Rafa lobbying was heightened especially in the lead-up to last Wednesday’s important match against FC Twente Enschende.
The result of the match was eventually in Inter Milan’s favour, with Argentinean star Cambiasso stealing the show by putting the ball into the net for a 1-0 win. The underestimated midfielder was the star of the match, and the
media was all over him after the victory, which earned Inter Milan a place in the final knockout stage of the Champions League.
Rumours arose that Cambiasso had suggested to Moratti that he fire Benitez. Moratti denies these reports. "I wasn't aware he had said anything of the sort," he said. "The players would never say certain things, and nor would I
allow them to. Cambiasso has full respect for Benitez and wants him stay."
Benitez was formerly attached to Liverpool and saw that team win the UEFA Champions League – the highest honour in European club football. In the following three seasons, Liverpool won the FA cup and reached the UEFA Champions
League, among other achievements. Liverpool could not win the English Premier League but finished as second-best performers in 2008–09. In short, Benitez worked wonders for Liverpool and gained a reputation for dedication, calm and calculated tactics during
his stay in England. Despite his rough time with Inter, the coach still maintains this positive reputation in the football world.
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