Former Liverpool legend Rafael Benitez has emerged as a surprising candidate for the coveted England managerial position. Gareth Southgate, the current manager of the English national team, is nearing the end of his contract, which is set to expire later this year. While Southgate’s contract extension may hinge on England’s performance in the upcoming Euros, reports suggest that the Football Association (FA) has been exploring alternative options in case of his departure.
Numerous high-profile managers have been linked with the England job, including the likes of Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Lee Carsley, the successful manager of England’s U21 squad who led them to victory in the U21 European Championship last year. However, the unexpected name of Rafael Benitez has recently emerged as a surprising contender.
In an interview with The Athletic, Benitez was asked about his willingness to manage either England or his home country, Spain. He expressed his openness to the idea, highlighting his ambition to lead a national team that can compete for major trophies. Benitez emphasized his preference for managing a team with a winning mentality, as he is accustomed to being part of successful teams.
While acknowledging his positive relationship with Southgate and his coaching staff, Benitez hinted at the possibility of pursuing international management in the future. He expressed his desire to participate in prestigious tournaments like the World Cup or the European Championship. Benitez’s comments suggest that he sees the national team role as a potential opportunity for him to achieve more success in his career.
Benitez’s impressive managerial career, particularly his successful stint at Liverpool, where he led the club to two Champions League finals, including the memorable comeback victory in Istanbul in 2005, has garnered attention. With a total of 13 trophies won throughout his career, Benitez’s suitability for the England job has become a subject of debate and speculation.
According to the Source caughtoffside.com