Benitez urges united front ahead of Twente clash
Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez has urged everyone at Inter Milan to stick together as the club aim to get their stuttering season back on track in Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Twente.
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Benitez has come under further pressure after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Chievo saw Inter drop to sixth in Serie A.
And the former Liverpool boss has admitted that the next week represents a crucial period for his side, starting with the Nerazzurri's home clash with FC Twente at the San Siro.
"We know the situation is critical with (Serie A leaders) AC Milan now nine points clear of us,'' Benitez said. "I have spoken to (Inter president Massimo) Moratti and to (Inter sporting director Marco) Branca.
"We all need to be united. We are all in agreement that Inter has to win these type of games because we are a strong side. Is my job at risk? I am a professional, with so many years of experience.
"Do I feel I still have the president's trust 100%? Yes I do. If we win on Wednesday in the Champions League all will change. We know that the only way we can turn things around is to work harder.''
Victory over Twente would guarantee holders Inter Champions League football in the new year as the Nerazzurri are currently level on seven points with Group A leaders Tottenham and two points clear of Twente with two round of games remaining in the pool.
Inter president Massimo Moratti also called for an immediate reaction from his out-of-form side.
"The team and the coach have to understand the importance of Wednesday's game,'' Moratti told the club's official website. "Tired or not, the team will have to show a lot of determination because otherwise we will not get anywhere.''
When asked if coach Rafael Benitez will still have his backing regardless of Wednesday's outcome, Moratti said: "That, yes, but in the meantime, let's try and take a good result that is already important.''
"I am happy that he (Benitez) feels that way as neither the club nor the team have certainly shown a lack of confidence in him."
