Benitez’s transfer demands cost him Inter Milan job

LONDON - Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti has admitted that he lost patience with axed manager Rafael Benitez after the Spaniard demanded funds for January’s transfer window.

Benitez had earlier urged Moratti to back him in the transfer market after he led the team to the Club World Cup title.

“Maybe I was not very satisfied, regardless of the statements (from Benitez), up to the success in the Club World Cup, but then after the statements of the coach I no longer had any desire or patience to get on with it,” the Telegraph quoted Moratti, as saying.

“If he had not made those statements would he have remained? I don’t know,” he added.

According to reports, Benitez has secured a 2.5million pound settlement with the Italian club.

The 50-year-old had succeeded Jose Mourinho in the post after the Portuguese coach led Inter to the Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League titles last season before he left to join Real Madrid.

Inter has slipped to seventh place in Serie A under Benitez, winning six of 15 league games, and is currently 13 points behind leader AC Milan.

Former AC Milan coach Leonardo is the favorite to replace Benitez. (ANI)