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Should he stay or go?

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-21 08:07

Keep Benitez

Benitez did what Moratti asked and triumphed in the Club World Cup and although the president has labeled the coach's outburst "inappropriate", the passion he has shown may convince Moratti Benitez has what it takes for more silverware. Changing coach so soon after Jose Mourinho left for Real Madrid in May would cause fresh upheaval in the middle of the season just when Benitez was beginning to turn the corner and get injured players back.

Sack Benitez

Moratti had hinted he would have considered the coach's position anyway had Inter not won the Club World Cup, given that it is seventh in Serie A after an uninspiring if injury-hit start to the campaign. The club owner has not appreciated his authority being questioned, with Benitez saying he was promised signings in the close season which did not materialize. The president has demonstrated a decisive streak many times before, sacking Roberto Mancini for dithering in 2008 despite winning the league title. If the Spaniard was to leave, at least 10 names are in the frame to replace him:

Luciano Spalletti: The former AS Roma coach has just won the Russian league with Zenit St Petersburg and would be a popular choice for fans since he has no links to AC Milan and is a straight talker.

Walter Zenga: Former Inter goalkeeping great has said his dream is to coach his old side but, after inconsistent spells in Romania and in charge of Catania and Palermo, the current coach of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr lacks managerial pedigree.

Leonardo: Spent just one season at AC Milan last term in his debut coaching job. Quit after becoming frustrated with Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi's interfering.

Frank Rijkaard: Out of work after leaving Galatasaray in October, the former Netherlands coach Rijkaard fits the bill given his history of winning La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona.

Diego Simeone: The tough-nut Argentine is a former Inter player and his demanding attitude might just be what club president Moratti feels his players need.

Fabio Capello: Moratti was half-interested in Capello before plumping for Benitez and only a resignation from the England boss could facilitate the move.

Luis Figo: The former Inter winger now works as an ambassador for the club but has no managerial experience.

Giovanni Trapattoni: The Ireland coach, a former Inter manager, could be brought in as a caretaker for the rest of the season as an old hand perfect to steady the ship.

Beppe Baresi: Assistant coach to Jose Mourinho and Benitez at Inter, Baresi is Nerazzurri through and through, having spent almost his entire career with the club.

Pep Guardiola: Moratti loves the way Barcelona plays and if its coach does not extend his deal with the Catalans, which expires at the end of the season, then Inter would be first in the queue with a caretaker put in charge until the end of the campaign.

Reuters