Eyes have lit up around the world since it emerged that following the sacking of Champions League winning coach Carlo Ancelotti, his replacement was the outgoing Napoli manager, Rafa Benitez.
With Benitez announced as the new Real Madrid Head Coach on Wednesday, we take a look at what he will bring to Los Blancos.
Rafael Benitez Maudes is certainly a character who has the ability to divide opinion.
To the fans of some clubs he has managed, he is an icon. He is still held in extremely high regard in Liverpool having led them to their fifth European Cup success in just his first season as boss. The affinity with which Liverpool FC and the city have with Benitez is something special, with the former Reds manager still owning a house just outside Liverpool in The Wirral.
In other clubs he has been a figure of hate. His time at Chelsea FC and Inter Milan – unsurprisingly given both sets of supporters love for Jose Mourinho – saw him derided by the fans.
One thing is true of the man. He is a passionate, dedicated and talented coach.
His association with Real Madrid originated when he was a young midfielder in Real’s junior ranks and as a player in the Real Madrid Castilla team. He suffered an injury whilst playing for Spain U19’s and after a couple of unsuccessful attempts to return to a playing career, he announced his retirement at just 26 years of age.
He subsequently took up a coaching role with Real Madrid u19’s development squad, winning the Spanish youth cup on two occasions, achieving the youth league and cup double in 1993. Shortly after this he was promoted to manage the Real Madrid B side. After a two year spell in charge he left in 1995 to become the first team manager Real Valladolid.
The twenty years following Benitez’s original departure from Real Madrid in 1995 have been eventful.
Since joining Valencia as their manager in 2001 – following a few lower profile jobs with clubs in the Segunda (Spains second division) – he has won a respect inducing 12 major titles whilst managing in Spain, England and Italy.
His brand of football has at times been criticised and been called too defensive. He does however possess a reputation for meticulous preparation for games and detailed tactical knowledge, which he has used successfully in European competition.
Real Madrid Appoint Benitez as Head Coach
During Benitez’s presentation, Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s Chairman said: ‘We are convinced the arrival of Benitez will make us stronger. We are bringing in a coach who has always wanted to be manager this club. Someone who is known for his methods and for his professionalism. He knows this club. He is one of ours. He arrived here as a 13-year-old and I imagine it is very special for him to take over the club as its manager today. Dear Rafa, welcome home.’
Benitez has signed a three year deal, which many will suspect is designed to bring him credibility with his players and Real Madrid supporters, as opposed to being a contract that will realistically be fulfilled.
There is no doubt in his reasoning for taking the job. The emotion pull of a return to his childhood club will have been too big to turn down. He is a man who will back himself to succeed, despite public opinion that has so far questioned Real’s decision to hire him.
The benefit to Los Blancos and certainly to Perez, will be that Benitez is a Spaniard who loves the club and this connection may hold some sway with demanding Madridistas. The fact that Real conceded 38 goals to Barca’s 21, couples well with Benitez’s reputation for being a ‘defence first’ style of coach.
Another point to consider is that with the exception of a centre back and goal keeper, the rest of the team picks itself. To the outside world this makes the President appear stronger by having the big players (his signings) playing every week and weakens the manager’s position as there is less to be contentious about with team selection.
Marriage of convenience or long term plan?
Benitez’s appointment has certainly raised eyebrows and this could well be a one season marriage of convenience. President Florentino Perez having been set on replacing Ancelotti but without there being a stand out candidate to replace him. Jurgen Klopp is a big name out of work, but I’m not convinced that this is the sort of project he should be aiming for. Klopp would be better suited to a more stable club such as Liverpool or Arsenal in the English Premier League where he would be more likely to be given the opportunity to build a team and develop the youth system. At Real Madrid that is unlikely to be the remit of the head coach.
A season long stop gap would appear to be the most obvious solution, with a three year contract being issued to prevent Benitez from outwardly appearing as a lame duck. Perez has been left unconvinced by Zinedine Zidane’s progression as youth team coach, with the original planning to have Zidane as Ancelotti’s successor being shelved. With this plan no longer in place and no obvious apple of the President’s eye – Jose Mourinho rumoured to have rejected an approach from his former club – Rafa Benitez certainly fits the bill.
Even with Benitez’s obvious emotional connection – with this emotion openly on display at his presentation press conference – this doesn’t necessarily mean he will be a patsy to the President. His professionalism and determination will ensure he fights his corner. There will be sparks throughout the season and it will be extremely interesting to see how he manages the vast egos within the squad. He said on Wednesday: ‘This is the most talented squad I’ve had at my disposal throughout my career. The way I’ll play won’t be the same with these players as with other teams, maybe I’ll have to modify my systems, all the while seeking to strike a balance offensively”.
He won’t be in awe of his players but will need to recognise the leaders in the dressing room and keep them on side. He famously did not do this when at Chelsea, telling the captain John Terry that he didn’t believe Terry could cope with playing twice a week. Two years on and Terry played in every single one of Chelsea’s title winning Premier League fixtures, making a total of 49 appearances during the season and showing some of his best form for many years.
Real Madrid is a tough place for any manager. Perez is a tough president, the fans are demanding, the press are intense and the spotlight is on you 365 days a year (if you make it that far). Good luck Rafa, all the best. I sense you may need it.
