Breaking news - benitez to athletico?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 2:28 amFormer Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez offered chance to return to management with Atletico Madrid - report
Spaniard will mull over offer while on holiday but is keen not to rush into a decision to return to management, after a disappointing spell at European champions Inter
27 May 2011 00:10:00
After a disastrous spell at Inter, former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been handed an "extremely attractive" chance to return to management by Atletico Madrid, reports The Times.
The Spaniard - who still lives on Merseyside - had been linked with a move back to the Premier League, but has told Atletico he will consider the opportunity while on holiday and make a decision when he returns.
Benitez - who endured a torrid spell in Italy after leaving Liverpool in 2010 - is said to be in no rush to return to club management and keen to select the right option.
His Inter tenure saw him claim one trophy - the World Club Cup - but also let the Scudetto slip out of his hands and to rivals AC Milan, with a public spat with Nerazzurri owner Massimo Moratti over transfer funds finally leading to his departure.
Benitez has long admitted his admiration for Atletico, having started his coaching at Real Madrid's youth teams, but has often spoken on his fondness for their cross-town rivals.
In February he said: “I have always had sympathy for Atlético Madrid, because, among other things, I have friends there and my father always liked Atlético. He said he was going to support Atlético Madrid ahead of Real and I have always had much sympathy for them since. The team has always seemed spectacular, especially their fans.”
Benitez returns from holiday in ten days time.
Spaniard will mull over offer while on holiday but is keen not to rush into a decision to return to management, after a disappointing spell at European champions Inter
27 May 2011 00:10:00
After a disastrous spell at Inter, former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been handed an "extremely attractive" chance to return to management by Atletico Madrid, reports The Times.
The Spaniard - who still lives on Merseyside - had been linked with a move back to the Premier League, but has told Atletico he will consider the opportunity while on holiday and make a decision when he returns.
Benitez - who endured a torrid spell in Italy after leaving Liverpool in 2010 - is said to be in no rush to return to club management and keen to select the right option.
His Inter tenure saw him claim one trophy - the World Club Cup - but also let the Scudetto slip out of his hands and to rivals AC Milan, with a public spat with Nerazzurri owner Massimo Moratti over transfer funds finally leading to his departure.
Benitez has long admitted his admiration for Atletico, having started his coaching at Real Madrid's youth teams, but has often spoken on his fondness for their cross-town rivals.
In February he said: “I have always had sympathy for Atlético Madrid, because, among other things, I have friends there and my father always liked Atlético. He said he was going to support Atlético Madrid ahead of Real and I have always had much sympathy for them since. The team has always seemed spectacular, especially their fans.”
Benitez returns from holiday in ten days time.
