Though we shift from jaw-clenched tango to iron-backed waltz, the dance surrounding Rafa Benítez’s pending sacking remains rigid, procedural, and on the precipice of absurdity. We seeing the interaction between two impending divorcées trying to bait the other into filing first. In this marriage, if Rafa leaves, Inter doesn’t owe have to pay in the settlement, but if Benítez can get through a few more fights - a couple of more days of feelings like a stranger in his own home - he gets his money. And yes, it all comes down to money, with the two sides now presumably negotiating the buy-out.
Rafa Benitez Fired At Inter Milan: Inter Notified Benitez Of ‘Failing’ To Meet Responsibilities
According to the AFP (in a piece reprinted by Yahoo!), Inter has given Benítez a hint of exploring another option. Amidst rumors that Inter has already sacked Benítez with an email notification more plausibly, more concrete - the club informing their manager that he’s failed to do his job. Call it a warning shot.
Inter president Massimo Moratti was reported to be furious over the remarks and wanted to fire Benitez even though the dismissal of the former Liverpool boss, who took over from Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, could cost the club between four and eight million euros.
The Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper said that Inter had written to Benitez upbraiding him for his outburst and accusing the Spaniard of failing to meet his responsibilties as a coach possibly opening the door to a reduced compensation payment.
The warning: You can either leave or be shown the door, but know that if we have to do that “thing” we’re willing to do, you’re gonna get nothing. Right now, it’s Christmas, and we’re in the giving mood, but if you test us - if you draw this out closer to New Year’s - we’re not going to feel so festive, Mr. Sitting Seventh And Berating The Club From His Abu Dhabi Podium (which, by the way, is very difficult to fit on your business cards).
More rumors flying around: Benítez is back on Merseyside today. Why? Possibly just enjoying his winter break, though the sect of Liverpool fans that shed a tear at his departure are connected imaginary dots with invisible ink: Rafa could be coming back home.
Now 7p.m. in Milan, nothing else is expected out of Inter today, but with a long winter break ahead, neither side he significant incentive to compromise their position until Benítez is back in Milan. But when Benítez does return to Inter, he may find a dapper Brazilian reclined in chair. Olá, Rafa!
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