Rafael Benítez issued what amounted to an ultimatum after Internazionale's 3-0 win over African champions TP Mazembe in the final of the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, telling his bosses to strengthen the squad if they wanted to keep him as coach.

"There are three possibilities," said Benítez, who has been under pressure since succeeding José Mourinho. Inter are seventh in the league, 13 points behind leaders Milan. "[First], 100% support for the coach and buy four or five players to build a stronger team, with competition among the players to be able to carry on winning matches and trophies.

"[Second], carry on like this without a project, without planning and go ahead with one person to blame, for the whole season getting to May this way. The third is to speak to my agent, reach an agreement if there is not this support."

Inter president Massimo Moratti responded to his coach's comments, saying: "It's not the moment to ask for reinforcements. It is not something we will decide now."

Inter became the first Italian side to collect five major trophies in a single calendar year as they brushed aside Mazembe. Two goals within four first-half minutes set the Italian champions on their way, with Goran Pandev and Samuel Eto'o producing clinical finishes, before the substitute Jonathan Biabiany added a third.

There was one good piece of news for Benítez. Milan lost 1-0 at home to Roma.