Rafa Benitez's future at Inter Milan remains shrouded in doubt, with president Massimo Moratti refusing to comment on the standing of his manager.

Reports have suggested that the reigning Serie A champions are ready to part with their Spanish coach just a few months into his tenure.

Benitez stepped into the void created by Jose Mourinho's departure to Real Madrid over the summer but has endured a tricky time in his efforts to emulate his Portuguese predecessor.

The pressure and endless speculation regarding his future led the former Liverpool boss to hit out at the weekend, following Inter's Club World Cup success.

He suggested Inter should either sack him or back him, with it his opinion that the club will require further investment in January if they are to remain competitive.

Moratti was than impressed by the outburst, branding Benitez's comments 'inappropriate'.

That sparked rumours that he had finally lost patience with the under-fire boss and was ready to wield the axe.
Controversies

Moratti was given the opportunity to silence those claims on Monday, but stopped short of offering his support to Benitez.

He told the club's official website: "I will not speak today. I do not wish to create any controversies with anyone."

While Inter's patience continues to be pushed, the head of the Italian Coaches' Association believes Benitez is well within his rights to expect his board to back him in the transfer window.

Renzo Ulivieri told La Repubblica: "Benitez has always been calm and civil.

"He has my support but he doesn't need it because he can stand on his own two feet, he is a world club champion.

"If he asks for respect it's because obviously he has been lacking it.

"He has only asked for normal things."