Rafa Benitez sets sight on English club manager’s job

Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has set his eyes on a sensational return to English football in the future.

The 65-year-old has previously taken charge of four different Premier League clubs. However, he has been out of job since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024.

Despite spending the last 18 months seeking for a new challenge, Benitez has no plans to retire from coaching.

Instead, he believes he still has plenty to offer to football as a manager.

Rafael Benítez former Manager of Liverpool speaking with Arne Slot, current Manager of Liverpool (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Speaking to the The Telegraph, the Spaniard addressed his current career status, explaining: “Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated.

“It is bad for a coach to be seen as retired. People still ask me, ‘Do you want to coach?’ For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe.

“I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”

Benitez has remain popular in England. He spent six years as Liverpool manager, leading the club to their fifth Champions League title after a miraculous comeback against AC Milan at the end of his first season.

He made a return to England in 2012 to take over at Chelsea on an interim basis. Though things were not rosy at Stamford Bridge, he enjoyed good spell at Newcastle United before he left in 2019..

Benitez was appointed by Everton ahead of the 2021/22 season but was sacked halfway through the campaign after just five wins in 19 Premier League matches.

As a result, it comes as no surprise Benitez is hoping for a home win in Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.

He admitted: “I was six years at Liverpool and three months at Everton. I have good friends who love both sides… but obviously I want Liverpool to win.

“In Madrid they ask me, ‘What is your team?’ I came through the academy at Real Madrid and managed them.

“But if anyone asks me where I felt and feel the most love, it is always Liverpool.”

Benitez won eight of his 14 Merseyside derbies as Liverpool boss but suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat at Goodison Park with Everton in 2021.