The Spaniard replaced Jose Mourinho at the Nerazzurri in June 2010 but was dismissed barely six months later after a string of disappointing results, leaving the then-Champions League holders and 2009-10 season treble winners in seventh place in Serie A.
Inter laboured to a ninth-placed finish in Italy's top flight last season, and Benitez, who took the reins at Napoli after spending much of last season as interim boss at Chelsea, believes the club has paid the price for not listening to his ideas three years ago.
"I prefer to remember only the positive things from my time at Inter," the 53-year-old stressed to Minuto 116.
"For example, the fact we won the Italian Super Cup and Club World Cup.
"However, many people pass judgment without knowing what really happened. The truth is that the club and technical staff sat down together to plan a renewal of the squad, including the names of new players, but these suggestions were never followed.
"The way I see it, this was the cause of everything that happened at Inter that year and possibly even in the following campaigns."
Benitez, who famously led Liverpool to Champions League success in 2005, saw his relationship with Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti sour after calling for investment in players after the club's 2010 Club World Cup success.
However, the former Valencia boss insists that he was right to ask for reinforcements despite Inter having just enjoyed the most successful season in their history under Jose Mourinho prior to his arrival.
"In order to continue winning, it is crucial to know when to renew the side. Sooner or later it has to be done," he continued.
"Now I have the opportunity for a new experience in Italy. I hope it will be a long one, because that would mean we had success and achieved our objectives."
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