Confusion over Benitez's Inter future

Benitez has been out of work since he was sacked by Inter (GETTY IMAGES)

Confusion continued to surround Rafael Benitez's future as coach of Inter Milan last night.

Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti insisted the Spaniard was still in charge as further reports emerged that he has been sacked.

Speculation regarding Benitez has only intensified since he called on the club to back him or sack him following their Fifa Club World Cup triumph, comments Moratti did not take well.

The club president attended a meeting last night at the club's offices in Milan, and said Benitez was still the coach when he emerged.

Asked if Benitez was still in charge, Moratti said: "Yes, yes. There are no other thoughts. I have heard of and read about contacts being made with other coaches, but the club has not made contact with any other coach and will not until the situation is clarified."

Former AC Milan manager Leonardo has been strongly linked with a move to Inter, but Moratti would not be drawn further on the Brazilian.

Benitez, 50, is currently on holiday in Liverpool as Inter have begun their winter break.

Inter have been decimated by injuries and are 13 points adrift of city rivals AC Milan in the Serie A title hunt, albeit having played two games fewer than the Rossoneri.

They next take to the field against Napoli on January 6, after the league's winter break.