Former Newcastle United and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ruled himself out of taking the managerial role at Derby County.
Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport’s Euro Leagues Show, 60-year-old admitted he has the desire to come back to the Premier League and didn’t rule out a return to Newcastle.
Rafael Benitez Rules Out Derby County Role
“At the Moment, No”
Following the sacking of manager Philip Cocu, Derby County are on the hunt for a new manager. Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has taken over on an interim basis along with Liam Rosenior, but the Derby hierarchy are looking to bring a new face to the role.
Benitez has been linked with the job, but speaking on Thursday when asked if he would take the role, the former Liverpool boss dismissed the claims.
“Not really. It is a big club and I have a lot of respect for them,” he said. “I am having some time here and then preparing for next season. You never know, football and life is changing, but at the moment, no.”
Premier League Ambitions
The former Newcastle manager hasn’t ruled out a return to St. James’ Park despite the role being unavailable. The 60-year-old admitted he has ambitions to return to the top flight and a move back to the northeast would suit the Spaniard.
He added: “When I left Newcastle, I was waiting until the last minute for the takeover but obviously it didn’t happen.
“If you remember, when I went to Newcastle, they were in a bad position and we were fighting until the last minute.
“We were relegated in the last game. We played against Tottenham, I think it was one of the best games, maybe in the history of Newcastle. With ten players, we beat Tottenham that was trying to be second. We beat them 5-1.
“The fans, this day, were amazing, and I decided to stay because of them because I could see the potential of the club.
“So, with all those things in your head, if I decide to stay when we didn’t have money – imagine with a takeover. So, obviously, the Premier League is a target for me in the future.”
Despite suffering relegation with the Magpies, Benitez saw an immediate return to the top flight after finishing as champions.
A tenth-placed finish was followed by back-to-back 13th placed finishes, but despite failing to push for a European spot, the fans adored the Spaniard.
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