Rafa Benitez: Rumors of Him Being Sacked By Inter Were Wrong, but Not For Long

Rafa Benitez denied reports of being sacked by Inter Milan, stating that he is focused on improving the team after the winter break.

Benitez joined Inter Milan over the summer break, following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Inter currently sit at seventh in the Serie A tables, an uncharacteristic place for the defending title holders.

The 13 points that separate Inter from league leaders AC Milan are the source of much consternation between Benitez and the Italian press. Benitez maintains that his relationship with club President Massimo Moratti is positive.

The timing of these rumors are interesting in that they came after the conclusion of the Club World Cup, which Inter won.

When you juxtapose this trophy with what Inter achieved last year, in the form of the Serie A and Champion's League titles, this is not a very impressive achievement. As a result, the accomplishment of winning the Club World Cup is getting there and representing Europe.

Benitez has nothing less than a massive job to salvage Inter's season. He needs to fill Mourinho's boots by meeting fans' expectations of the club's performance, after succeeding to keep the Champion's League winning team largely intact over the summer, excepting the conspicuous departure of the manager.

Benitez came to Inter after fizzling out at Liverpool. He came to Liverpool with a reputation as an expert tactician in tournaments, winning the Champion's League title in 2004 with Valencia and again for Liverpool in 2005.

Since then, despite additional minor accomplishments, teams have underperformed under Benitez's management. Inter has all the makings of continuing this trend.

While this phenomenon doesn't happen as frequently with managers as it does with players, Benitez has peaked. For the past five years, he has been riding off this success as other managers have learned how to cope with the Spaniard's tactics.

Considering Inter's high expectations and the clubs history of not hesitating to fire under performing managers, Benitez would be lucky to see June at the San Siro. 

The rumors of Rafa being sacked were wrong, but only for now.