Embattled Inter coach Rafa Benitez said yesterday that he feels “calm and content” ahead of the Club World Cup semi-final match against Asian champion Seongnam Ilhwa as speculation mounts that a defeat could cost him his job.
The Italian media suggests a stumble at the Abu Dhabi tournament could end the Spaniard’s time at Inter despite only having joined in the off season on a two-year deal. Inter are seventh in the Serie A standings, 13 points behind leaders AC Milan.
Inter president Massimo Moratti piled on the pressure last week following the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Werder Bremen, insisting nothing short of the Club World Cup title would suffice. Inter won a prior incarnation of the Club World Cup in 1964 and 1965 when it was called the Intercontinental Cup.
“I feel calm and content and after seeing Milito in training,” Benitez said, a day ahead of the team’s clash with Seongnam in Abu Dhabi. “We have a strong team and we are convinced that we can win the semifinal.”
Benitez has struggled to live up to the achievements of his predecessor Jose Mourinho, whose team claimed a treble of titles last season and is now with Real Madrid. Beset with injuries, Inter have already lost as many games as they did all last season and only qualified second in their Champions League group, mostly because of uncharacteristic defensive lapses.
But as they prepare to face Seongnam Ilhwa, Benitez insisted the team was playing better than it has all season.
“The team is playing at their best. The environment is positive and it will be positive for this game,” Benitez said. “We had a good training session and everybody is cheerful and looking forward to the game.”
Benitez refused to name his lineup for tomorrow’s match. But defenders Maicon, Cristian Chivu and striker Milito are set to return from injury, while goalkeeper Julio Cesar is hoping to come back for the final.
Milito, who has been training for a week, said he “felt fine” and that he was eager to get out on the pitch and help Inter to a winning start.
“We don’t know if we will get a chance to play in this tournament again. So, we will try and give it our best and I’m looking forward to it,” Milito said. “Everybody wants to play good football and everybody is ready ... We have a big competition ahead of us and we have good team spirit. We had some difficulties in the past but everyone is available and happy.”
Seongnam, who play in South Korea, started strong by thrashing local favorites Al Wahda 4-1 in the quarterfinals. But Asian clubs have never beaten their European counterparts in the Club World Cup and Seongnam coach Shin Tae-yong said he was doubtful his side could break that three-match losing streak.
“I would rate our chances as 30 to 40 per cent with Inter at 60 pe cent,” Shin said. “But a miracle can happen. We will challenge them and I hope we get a good result.”
Known for their discipline and patience, Seongnam have emerged in recent years as a dominant force in Asia. They have won the K-League seven times and this year won the AFC Champions League for a second time in the past 10 years. A victory against Inter would raise their profile well beyond Asia.
“Inter are one of the world’s best teams and we have prepared really well,” said forward Choi Sung Kuk. “We will show that on the field tomorrow. We are in top form physically and mentally and it is a chance for us to show to the world that we are a good Korean team.”