Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has refused to answer questions regarding Rafa Benitez's future.
Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that Moratti has decided to sack the Spaniard over his comments following the Club World Cup final.
Benitez issued a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum following the Nerazzurri's 3-0 win over TP Mazembe on Saturday.
It remains to be seen if his time is up but reports in Italy suggest Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti is the number one candidate to take over.
However, Moratti said on the club's official website, www.inter.it: "I will not speak today. I do not wish to create any controversies with anyone."
Benitez's agent claims the Inter Milan coach is unfazed by growing speculation he will be out of a job before the Serie A season resumes in January.
Manuel Garcia Quilon said: "Benitez is under contract with Inter and the situation is the same as it was before.
"Benitez said what he said and he does not need to explain himself further.
"I have not been contacted by anyone."
Renzo Ulivieri, the head of the Italian Coaches' Association, believes Benitez is right in asking for backing from Inter Milan.
"Benitez has always been calm and civil," Ulivieri told La Repubblica.
"He has my support but he doesn't need it because he can stand on his own two feet, he is a world club champion.
"If he asks for respect it's because obviously he has been lacking it.
"He has only asked for normal things."
Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that Moratti has decided to sack the Spaniard over his comments following the Club World Cup final.
Benitez issued a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum following the Nerazzurri's 3-0 win over TP Mazembe on Saturday.
It remains to be seen if his time is up but reports in Italy suggest Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti is the number one candidate to take over.
However, Moratti said on the club's official website, www.inter.it: "I will not speak today. I do not wish to create any controversies with anyone."
Benitez's agent claims the Inter Milan coach is unfazed by growing speculation he will be out of a job before the Serie A season resumes in January.
Manuel Garcia Quilon said: "Benitez is under contract with Inter and the situation is the same as it was before.
"Benitez said what he said and he does not need to explain himself further.
"I have not been contacted by anyone."
Renzo Ulivieri, the head of the Italian Coaches' Association, believes Benitez is right in asking for backing from Inter Milan.
"Benitez has always been calm and civil," Ulivieri told La Repubblica.
"He has my support but he doesn't need it because he can stand on his own two feet, he is a world club champion.
"If he asks for respect it's because obviously he has been lacking it.
"He has only asked for normal things."
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