Inter president Massimo Moratti has declared his "total faith" in coach Rafael Benitez, insisting that reports the Spaniard is in danger of losing his job are the "invention" of the Italian press.
Benitez has been under real scrutiny following a derby defeat to Milan at the weekend that has left Inter six points behind their rivals and Serie A leaders following an uninspired start to the league season.
Gazzetta dello Sport's headline on Wednesday read 'Hanging By A Thread', and Moratti's very public show of dissatisfaction following the 1-0 defeat to Milan has led to speculation that Benitez could soon lose his job, just months after replacing Treble-winner Jose Mourinho.
However, Moratti addressed reporters on Wednesday afternoon and denied that Benitez's job with the Nerazzurri is in jeopardy.
"I believe that is an invention of you journalists," Moratti said, in comments reported on the club's official website. "I read it on the papers. There is no kind of traumatising decision, in any way whatsoever.
"The project we chose goes on, and there is total faith in Benitez, as I already said the other day. This doesn't deny the fact that I am annoyed after a game like the one on Sunday, but it doesn't change the club plans in any way whatsoever."
Moratti refused to respond to speculation that he had met former Milan coach Leonardo for dinner, while another of his reputed targets, Luciano Spalletti, has denied having any contact with Inter.
Spalletti, a former coach of Roma, led Zenit St Petersburg to the Russian league title at the weekend and says he will be remaining with the club.
"There were never any doubts," Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia. "Moratti showed he is a serious person [by sticking with Benitez]. He is not the type to turn to others after just two months.
"I have never been contacted by any club. I continue to be Zenit coach. I have a contract here and will continue coaching Zenit unless they sack me or something else happens."
