Photos: Rafa Benitez arrives at Newcastle

Former Real Madrid coach, Rafa Benítez has arrived at St James’ Park ahead of being announced as the new manager of Newcastle. He takes over from Steve Mc Claren who was fired in the early hours of today. There are reports that the Italian will sign a 3 year deal with an opt-out clause if Newcastle are relegated.

Rafa Benitez releases statement after being sacked by Real Madrid

Former Real Madrid Manager, Rafael Benitez has issued a statement on his dismissal by the Blancos. The Spaniard who was axed 7 months on the job won 17 of his 25 games. Here is what he wrote on his website. 
Now, at the end of my time as first team coach of Real Madrid, I would like to use this article to say goodbye to everyone at every level of the club. I want everyone at the club from the Board of directors, executives, workers and all of the fans, know that it has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club. Where I grew up as a person, player and coach from the lowest categories through to the first team. 

As a Madridista from Madrid, steeped in the traditions and values of this institution, which I learned in the old sports city of Castellana, it has been an honour to work for these colours. I would especially like to thank everyone at the new sports city and the Santiago Bernabéu who since my first steps through the door have supported me and made my work easier. Thanks to all for helping.

With all that I have said still in mind, I would like to wish good luck to Zinedine Zidane,my successor, and his staff. To all the players, coaches and staff in both Valdebebas and Bernabéu, I wish all the best and also good luck. With all my respect and thanks… HALA MADRID and NOTHING ELSE.

Rafael Benitez claims there's a campaign against him and the club.

The ‘campaign’ talk, a familiar phrase in football. To cut the long story short, it is one of Jose Mourinho’ infamous phrases.
Real Madrid coach, Rafa Benitez believes there is a campaign against him, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the club. Real who had a mind-blowing outing weeks back, walloping Rayo Vallecano 10-2 are two points off the top of La Liga.
Speaking at a news conference today ahead of Real’ clash with Real Sociedad, the ex Liverpool manager said
 “There is a campaign against (president) Florentino (Perez), Real Madrid and me.
“Everything is criticised that can be and where not it is manipulated which anyone can see. This is particularly clear if you look at the situation from the outside.”
“Everything is being magnified and I have a lot of experience coaching so I know to be distracted as little as possible.

“I have 24 players in the squad but when I leave out one player then it is made out that it is something personal and a load of speculation is built up. The team is a lot better than people think. My relationship with the players is infinitely better than what you read in the press. There is a communications department that keeps me informed. The team is doing some things well and others not so much.”

What sack? Rafa Benitez receives Florentino Perez's full backing.

Even Ancelotti didn’t enjoy such level of grace. In what has been described as a shocking move by football fans worldwide, under-fire Real Madrid coach, Rafa Benitez has received the full backing of the club’s President, Florentino Perez. The future of the ex Liverpool manager had been in doubt following the club’s humiliating defeat to rival, Barcelona on Saturday.
In a Press conference today, Perez told reporters that Benitez was chosen because of his wealth of experience and professionalism and should Working to achieve his objective.
 “We have had a board meeting and analysed the sporting situation at Real Madrid and Rafa has all our support and all our confidence.

“Rafa Benitez has all the ability and has only just started his job here. Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives.

“The players did not lack attitude. The team played badly but we cannot question their attitude in such an important game.

“Rafael Benitez is the chosen one to bring success to this squad that since January has struggled and now more than ever he needs the support of all of our followers.

“We offer full support for our coach who will be capable of turning this situation around. The team has suffered a deterioration since January.

“I understand the unhappiness and the anger of the fanbase with what happened on Saturday, but I ask them that they support the team.

“I am talking about this moment we are in now, I cannot say what will happen in the future – nobody knows what could happen in six months,” said Perez.

“We are convinced that we have a great squad that will give much happiness to a fanbase that deserves everything.

“We chose Rafa with confidence he could turn it around.


“I did not back Ancelotti, I said that it was not true that if he lost he was out. This is different, the board supports Benitez completely and has complete confidence in him.”

Benzema is going nowhere – Benitez

Real Madrid manager, Rafael Benitez has rebuffed claims that striker Karim Benzema will join English side, Arsenal Fc. Benitez says he believes the striker has no reason to leave the club as he is very happy with him and would love to keep him at the club.

“Benzema, I think, is going to stay with us,” he told reporters ahead of his side’s Audi Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham. “I am very happy with him. I have no reason to think he will go.”
The Spanish coach is happy with the squad he has got but believes more signings will be made as they look to improve on last season, in which they lost out on La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey to Barcelona, though he refused to comment on the potential signing of David De Gea from Manchester United.

“I said before that Madrid have signed some players and have a great squad, but I aim to improve the team and to be as competitive as we have always been. I have said in five press conferences that I do not want to talk about players of other teams. We have very good goalkeepers in Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla.”

"Sergio Ramos will be staying with us" – Benitez

Real Madrid’s manager, Rafael Benitez has affirmed that Sergio Ramos will not be leaving the club.
Ramos has been linked heavily to other clubs over a reported fallout with Real Madrid on wage increment.
The former Liverpool manager said football was a “curious world” and he had “a lot of respect” for United counterpart Louis van Gaal. But asked if he was sure Ramos would stay, the Spaniard said: “For me, 100%. “I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. He’s a key player for us.”

Ramos, capped 128 times, has made 445 appearances for Real since joining from Sevilla in 2005.
He is part of the Real squad preparing to face Manchester City in a friendly in Australia on Saturday.‎

Photos: Rafael Benitez has reportedly convinced Gareth Bale to stay at Bernabeu

I got this on twitter and the tweep who posted it said Rafa Benítez met with Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale before playing in the Euro 2016 qualifying match involving Wales and Belgium and possibly tried to talk him into staying at Bernabeu to prove his mettle. But really, I think that kind of ‘motivational’ talk can’t be done standing and in a hurry.
Anyways, the only goal of the game which took place in Cardiff was delivered by the Wales talisman. And it has been described as the most important goal of his career.


Rafael Benitez weeps as he's unveiled Real Madrid manager

Former Liverpool boss, Rafael Benitez fought back the tears as he was officially presented as the new manager of Real Madrid.
A visibly emotional Benitez who penned a 3-year contract with The Los Blancos said: “This is the hard part, having to speak but not really knowing what to say. Madrid is my home. It’s emotional to be back. I hope it goes well, that the team plays quality football and wins trophies.”

 “Today we start a new era. ‎A man that breathes football, professionalism and Madridismo. Dear Rafa, welcome to Real Madrid.”Florentino Perez, Real Madrid boss added.

Rafael Benitez excited about Real Madrid job

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez is in Madrid to dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s as regards his contract with Real Madrid. Before hopping into a private jet to Madrid this morning, the former Liverpool boss was asked by reporters if he was excited about the new role.

“I’m excited and very happy. Real Madrid and I still have things to discuss” .‎ He replied. The former Chelsea manager will replace Carlo Ancelotti who was relieved of his job two weeks ago after a disappointing season.


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