Rafa defends Inter and Eto'o

Rafa defends Inter and Eto'o


Rafael Benitez has his hands full tonight, first leaping to the defence of his team for their 2-1 loss to Chievo and then to that of star striker Samuel Eto'o who may yet face a trial by television after appearing to headbutt Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar.

The defending Serie A champions slumped to another disappointing defeat this afternoon, losing 2-1 in Verona with the pressure increasing further on Benitez after another indifferent display. Eto'o complicated matters further, after thrusting his head into Cesar's chest in retaliation to a sly punch from the centre-back seven minutes before half-time.

But former Liverpool and Valencia boss Benitez believes no retrospective action should be taken. "You can see Eto'o received a punch and had a reaction to being provoked, in a difficult situation," said Benitez.
I am a professional coach and have been in these types of situation: the only way to change it, though, is to continue working and today I saw the will to win in our players.
Rafael Benitez, Internazionale coach

The Inter boss was largely satisfied with Inter's display although their only reward was a late Eto'o strike which proved to be a mere consolation after efforts from Sergio Pellisier and Davide Moscardelli had given Chievo a two-goal lead. The Spaniard confirmed he would meet with club officials after the game but insisted it was routine.

"It will be like always, we talk after every game, with (technical director Marco) Branca, with (sporting director Piero) Ausilio, with (Benitez's consultant Amedeo) Carboni," he said.

"It's obvious that a team like ours should be winning these sort of games, but the boys displayed character.

"I am a professional coach and have been in these types of situation: the only way to change it, though, is to continue working and today I saw the will to win in our players.

"What we are living is a difficult situation, of a team which has won a lot, but also where a lot of players are missing, which is the reason why we are forced to field so many young players," said Benitez.

The defeat left Inter nine points adrift of leaders AC Milan after 13 rounds.