You are here: Home / Archives for Rafa Benitez

Benitez underplays his differences rumors with Ronaldo

July 24, 2015 by

Real-Madrid

Settling down in a new ambience is never an easy job for any new entrant to a big side even though he is joining on the top post especially if we are talking about the side like Real Madrid who has ever been the most aspiring sides not only by players but managers and coaches as well. The 55-year-old Spanish coach Rafa Benitez is one such entrant who must have some aspirations from the Spanish giants that is why he decided to catch the opportunity to coach one of the best European sides. But, like always, his job is not going to be an easy affair as being hinted by some of the Spanish news portals. According to few insiders, he is already having a tension with team starlet Cristiano Ronaldo and reportedly they both are having some kind of ego problem that is not allowing new coach to completely implement his new ideas in the side. While some experts are calling it a natural phase for any newcomer which should pass by in no time, on the other side, many are taking it as first big hurdle for Benitez which he needs to overlook – at least in fans eyes! Accordingly, former Napoli boss has downplayed his difference with Ronaldo rumors and said he is enjoying his stay at Santiago Bernabéu.

Actually, a local newspaper reported yesterday that Ronaldo is upset with new coach for his disallowing one goal during Wednesday’s training session in Melbourne, Australia. Talking about the small spat with team’s best forward Benitez told a news conference: “He is competitive and that is the key. I see it as a virtue, not a defect. My relationship with him is the same as with the other players. I speak a lot with all of them. There are people that say this or that, but I can assure you that it’s not true. My relationship with him is absolutely normal.

“Fortunately after working with him you get to see just how competitive he is, how he likes to win and the quality he has. This is why he is the best in the world. I always try to bring out the best of the players I have. Seeing Cristiano at work, you understand why he has the trophies he has. He is clearly the best in the world. I would like for everyone to have the same will to compete and win that he has. He proves it every day and I’m delighted.”

Filed Under: Soccer News, Spain Tagged With: ,

‘Interim Manager’ Rafa Benitez to leave Chelsea

February 28, 2013 by

After lots of criticisms and bad waves about Chelsea’s interim manager Rafa Benitez, he finally announced his departure from Stamford Bridge after the end of this season. He blames club fans of bashing him all the way despite his serious affords to revive Fulham club. He talked about his future at the club after their 2-0 win at Middlesbrough and said since he was just an interim manager; he would have to leave anyway. Notably, Chelsea has been advanced to FA cup quarterfinals where they will clash with Manchester United, and as per early predictions, it would be a tough task to defeat United under current stretchy managerial post. Last week, Benitez asked the owners to think twice before taking any harsh decision, coz according to him, he is in best position to the lead the team, perhaps he also made several promises to win at least one title in coming years. Now, when he has lost all the hopes to remain at the club, he finally admitted his departure. He also blamed his past where he used to be associated with Liverpool; this is something which was not in liking of Chelsea fans. Talking about fans’ anger, he said,

“I have been in charge in football for 26 years – I have won the Champions League, won the FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup, the Italian Super Cup, the Spanish league twice, nine trophies, all the trophies you can win at club level. A group of fans, they are not doing any favors for the team when they are singing and wasting time preparing banners. It’s because someone made a mistake. They put my title `interim manager.”

This is not the first time something like this is happened to a manager, coz Benitez himself replaced former manager Roberto di Matteo in November who was fired in similar fashion when he could not deliver the results. Though, Benitez knew right from the beginning that his job is just temporary, yet he was living with a dream that he can lead the club on a permanent basis if he could show some successes in the field. Likewise, he won some matches, but off late, his strategies were not in liking of a large section of Chelsea fans especially his few critical decisions, like resting John Terry for City clash.

He further added, “I am the manager and I will be managing the team I like to manage – players and no names. I have proved in these three months that I want to win every single game … If a group of fans continue their agenda … they are not making any favors for the team. They should concentrate on supporting the team. They put pressure on the players and don’t create a good atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. They have to realize they rare making a big mistake. … it would be much better to have a good atmosphere.”

Filed Under: England, Soccer News Tagged With: ,