Rafa Benitez set for SURPRISING managerial return

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo last season.

Benitez established his reputation at Valencia in the early years of this century before moving on to Anfield.

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The Spaniard won the 2005 Champions League title for the Reds, forever etching his name into Anfield folklore, as well as the FA Cup the following season.

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He was unable to clinch a Premier League title, despite some close finishes, and ultimately parted ways with the club in 2010.

Since then his career has meandered with spells including Inter Milan and Napoli in Serie A as well as Real Madrid in LaLiga. He’s also had controversial tenures with Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League as well as time as a favourite at Newcastle United.

Rafa has a spell at Chinese side Dalian Professional under his belt but now could be set for a return to the UK.

Rangers want Rafa

Rangers are seeking a permanent successor to Philippe Clement with Barry Ferguson currently in caretaker charge until the end of the season.

The Gers are set for an imminent takeover under the San Francisco 49ers umbrella and it’s been reported by the Daily Record that businessman Andrew Cavanagh is already considering a managerial appointment. And Rafa is among the frontrunners under discussion by the new investment group according to the Scottish paper.

Moreover, the 64-year-old is said to be aware that Rangers are seeking to appoint him, as revealed by Morton manager Dougie Imrie. He was in attendance at a UEFA coaching course alongside Rafa and he claimed discussions had taken place over the Rangers job.

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"He said he had heard the speculation but that is as far as he went,” the manager said. “Who knows, although I did put my CV in to be his assistant manager!

“To speak to a guy like Rafa, who has managed at so many top clubs, and have a personal chat with him was refreshing.

“I was able to ask questions that relate to me being here and it was good to hear that everything isn’t always rosy, no matter how big the club is."

Rafa’s former captain Steven Gerrard was previously manager at Ibrox and has been linked with a return. Either Rafa or Gerrard pitching up in Glasgow would mean a Liverpool-linked figure on either side of the Old Firm divide with Brendan Rodgers in charge of Celtic.

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