Rafael Benitez’s Most Memorable Managerial Stints

Rafa Benítez has been named Real Madrid manager – 20 years after he left his role as the club’s B team boss. In that time, the Spaniard has won 12 trophies, including two La Liga titles with Valencia and the Champions League with Liverpool. What stands out is that Benítez has won at least one trophy or earned a promotion with every team he has coached since 1997. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the 55-year-old Spain born.

On the other hand, his years at certain clubs stand out simply because they were brilliance personified. Here’s a quick list of the same!5) Napoli (2013-2015)

In his most recent role, Benítez added even more weight to his reputation as a cup specialist by winning the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge, before reaching the semi-finals of the Italian Cup competition in 2014/15 and the final four of the Europa League.

Serie A results were not as positive, with Napoli slipping from second in the season before Benítez’s arrival to third in 2013/14 before missing out on Champions League qualification this term.

Benítez will be in Europe’s elite club competition next season, though, as he returns to where it all started: Real Madrid. Benítez is seen as a Real Madrid man because of his association with Castilla, an integral part of Real Madrid’s youth academy, where he made around 500 appearances and later went on to coach the side from 1993 to 1995.4) Chelsea (2012/13)

“I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what.”

Benítez – who had a number of run-ins with Chelsea during his time in charge of the Reds – had his words used as ammunition against him when he went back on his promise and signed up to replace Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was jeered by Chelsea supporters in his first game in charge and fought an ongoing battle with the fans throughout his short reign. A Champions League group stage exit, Club World Cup final defeat and semi-final losses in the League Cup and FA Cup hardly helped his cause. Reports also claimed that Benítez had a training ground bust up with captain John Terry, although both of them dismissed these claims.

However, Benítez – who had already revealed he would be leaving at the end of the season after hitting out at the owners over his ‘interim manager’ title and the fans for jeering him instead of supporting the team – added another trophy to his cabinet with Europa League final glory against Benfica. This made Benítez only the second manager after Giovanni Trapattoni to have won the UEFA Cup/Europa League with two different teams.

Defender David Luiz credited Benítez with making critical changes at half time, saying, “He changed some of our positions in the second half. That’s why we played better and won the title. He spoke a lot to us to change the intensity.” On the winning goal scored by Branislav Ivanovic, Juan Mata said, “Rafa told us we had to aim to the far post, because it was Artut’s weakest place. I just tried to put the ball there and Ivanovic did the rest.”3) Inter Milan (2010)

After leaving Liverpool, Benítez took charge of Jose Mourinho’s treble winners Inter Milan. That didn’t go well for him, as Inter slumped to sixth in Serie A by December 2010 and lost to Spurs in the Champions league. He told the European champions to back him with new signings in the January transfer window or consider whether they wanted to keep him as coach, despite the side having won the treble only a few months earlier. Benítez’s demands were dismissed by the Inter ownership, with Massimo Moratti refusing to comment on Benítez’s continued employment by the club. On 23 December, Benítez was sacked by Inter Milan. His short stint at Inter Milan has been famous because of his bust up with the Italian defender Marco Materazzi.

Marco Materazzi claimed that he was phased out of the team. When Benítez was appointed the Chelsea manager, Materazzi whished the fans good luck and said that their future is in wrong hands. In return, Benítez called him a liar 10 times in his press conference. Materazzi made the same remarks when Benítez was appointed as Real Madrid manager and said that he feels sorry for the fans.2) Liverpool (2004-2010)

After leaving Valencia, Benítez went to England to manage Liverpool. They finished fifth in the premier league and were defeated by Chelsea in the League Cup final. But what looked like another trophy-less season for Liverpool turned out to be one of the most memorable ones.

Benítez won the most remarkable Champions League final of all time against Milan. “All credit to Benítez, he wouldn’t let us put our heads down. He told us the game wasn’t over and we knew if we got an early goal, we were back in it,” said Steven Gerrard after their stunning fightback from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties.

Benítez helped Liverpool finish third in the league next season, and won the FA Cup as they defeated West Ham thanks to a Stevie G wonder strike. An improved season in the league was the highlight of this season, and Benítez was considered as the man to end Liverpool’s wait for a Premier league title, a title they have not lifted since 1990.

Another Champions League final followed in 2006/07 – although this time AC Milan got their revenge – before semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Chelsea saw Liverpool miss out on a third final 12 months later.

Liverpool finished the calendar year top of the Premier League for the first time since 1996 in the 2008/09 season. But a sudden dip in form at the turn of the year saw Liverpool lose their grip at the top of the table and finish second in the league, four points behind Manchester United.

Benítez had a fall out with the Liverpool owners during this season as he wanted more control over the transfers and claimed that the owners didn’t have enough faith in him. This led to widespread speculation over Benítez’s future at Liverpool. But big wins against Real Madrid and Manchester United saw Benítez sign a new five year contract with Liverpool.

The 2009/10 season was a total disaster, as Liverpool finished seventh in the league and Benítez’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.1) Valencia (2001-2004)

In 2000, Benítez managed Segunda Division side Tenerife and steered them to promotion. As a result, he was appointed as the new Valencia manager in 2001. This move came as a surprise to many, as Los Che had reached back-to-back Champions League finals and Benítez had managed in La Liga for just one season.

But he surprised everybody by winning the league, finishing seven points clear of Deportivo. Next season didn’t bring the same amount of success for Benítez, but he bounced back in 2003 and again won the league title with Valencia. He also won the Uefa Cup with a 2-0 victory over Marseille.

After three successful years with Valencia, Benítez resigned as Valencia coach in June 2004 as he fell out with Jesus Garcia Pitarch, the club’s director of football, over control of new signings and the club’s failure to reinforce the squad with the players he wanted. Benítez said “I was hoping for a sofa and they’ve brought me a lamp”, when a midfielder arrived instead of his desired defender.

Here’s to wishing Benitez a successful run at the Bernebau!