Rafael Benítez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rafael Benítez

Benítez in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Rafael Benítez Maudes
Date of birth	(1960-04-16) 16 April 1960 (age 65)
Place of birth	Madrid, Spain
Height	1.75 m
Playing position	Defender
Youth career
1973–1978	Real Madrid
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1978–1979	Real Madrid Aficionados
1979–1981	Real Madrid Castilla
1981	→ Parla (loan)
1981–1985	Parla	124	(8)
1985–1986	Linares	34	(7)
Total		158	(15)
National team
1979–1981	Spain Universities XI	5	(0)
Teams managed
1986–1993	Real Madrid U17
1993–1994	Real Madrid (assistant)
1993–1994	Real Madrid Castilla
1994–1995	Real Madrid Castilla
1995–1996	Valladolid
1996	Osasuna
1997–1999	Extremadura
2000–2001	Tenerife
2001–2004	Valencia
2004–2010	Liverpool
2010	Inter Milan
2012–2013	Chelsea (interim)
2013–2015	Napoli
2015–2016	Real Madrid
2016–2019	Newcastle United
2019–2021	Dalian Professional
2021–2022	Everton
2023–2024	Celta Vigo
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Rafael Benítez Maudes (born on 16 April 1960) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of the Spanish club Celta Vigo.

Benítez started his coaching career at Real Madrid when he was 26. He coached their youth teams and was an assistant manager for the main team. After leaving Real Madrid in 1995, he had short coaching jobs at Real Valladolid and Osasuna.

He then led Segunda División club Extremadura back to La Liga in his first season (1997–98). However, the team was relegated the next year. He later coached Tenerife in 2000, helping them get promoted in his only season there.

Benítez became the coach of Valencia in 2001 and won the La Liga title in the 2001–02 season. In 2004, he won another La Liga title and the UEFA Cup. After Valencia, Benítez moved to the English club Liverpool in the Premier League. He led them to win the UEFA Champions League in 2005. He also won the FA Cup in 2006 and reached the Champions League final in 2007.

After leaving Liverpool in 2010, Benítez managed Inter Milan, winning the Supercoppa Italiana and the FIFA Club World Cup. In 2012, he became the interim manager of Chelsea and won the UEFA Europa League in 2013. He then returned to Italy to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

In 2015, he became the coach of Real Madrid, but his time there was short. Benítez then managed Newcastle United in 2016. He couldn't save them from relegation, but he helped them get promoted back to the Premier League the next year. He left Newcastle in 2019 and managed Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. In 2021, he took over as manager at Everton but was dismissed in 2022. He was most recently the manager of Celta Vigo from 2023 to 2024.

Playing Career

Benítez played as a midfielder for Real Madrid Aficionados and Real Madrid Castilla. He also studied physical education at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

In 1979, Benítez played for the Spain Youth U-19s team. He scored a penalty in a 10–0 win against Cuba. An injury in a later game kept him out for a year. This injury affected his chances of becoming a top player. In 1981, Benítez joined Tercera División team Parla. He helped them get promoted to Segunda División B. In 1985, he joined Linares as a player-coach. More injuries meant he missed most of the 1985–86 season, and he then stopped playing football.

Coaching Career Highlights

Starting at Real Madrid

In 1986, at 26, Benítez returned to Real Madrid as a coach. He coached the Real Madrid youth teams, winning league titles in 1987, 1989, and 1990. He also won the Spain Under 19s Cup in 1991 and 1993. In 1993, his team won both the cup and the national under-19 league.

Benítez also worked as an assistant coach for Real Madrid B. He later became the head coach of Real Madrid B, who played in the Segunda División.

Early Senior Management

Benítez's first jobs as a senior manager outside Real Madrid were not very successful. He managed Real Valladolid in 1995 but was dismissed after only two wins in 23 games. In 1996, he took charge of Osasuna but was dismissed after just nine games. During this time, he met fitness instructor Pako Ayestarán, who became his partner at several clubs.

In 1997, he joined Extremadura and led them to promotion to La Liga. They finished second in the league. However, Extremadura only stayed in La Liga for one season and were relegated in 1999.

Benítez then took a year off to study football in England and Italy. He also worked as a commentator. In 2000, he became manager of Tenerife. With players like Mista and Luis García, he helped them get promoted to La Liga.

Valencia Success

In 2001, Benítez became the coach of Valencia. The club had been in two Champions League finals before he arrived. Benítez brought in a more attacking style of play. He also signed players like Mista, who became a top goal scorer for Valencia.

In 2002, Benítez led Valencia to win their first La Liga title in 31 years. They won by seven points. The next season was not as good, as they finished far behind the champions. However, Benítez made his debut in the UEFA Champions League, where his team reached the quarter-finals.

In the 2003–04 season, Valencia won La Liga again with three games to spare. They also won the UEFA Cup final, beating Marseille 2–0. Despite this success, Benítez had disagreements with the club's director about new players. He resigned as Valencia coach in June 2004.

Liverpool Era

On 16 June 2004, Benítez became the manager of Liverpool. He was the first Spanish manager in the Premier League. He said it was "like a dream" to join one of the world's most important clubs.

Early Triumphs

Benítez managing Liverpool in 2005, his first season at the club

One of Benítez's first tasks was to convince captain Steven Gerrard to stay. He also signed players like Luis García and Xabi Alonso. Benítez helped existing players, like Jamie Carragher, become top defenders.

In his first season, Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League. They lost the League Cup final to Chelsea. However, in the Champions League, Liverpool performed much better. They reached the final against Milan.

In a famous final, known as the Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool came back from being 3–0 down at half-time. They scored three goals in six minutes to make it 3–3. Liverpool then won 3–2 on penalties. Benítez's calm approach at half-time helped the players believe they could win. He became one of the few managers to win the UEFA Cup and Champions League in a row.

For the 2005–06 season, Benítez signed new players like Pepe Reina (goalkeeper), Peter Crouch, and Xabi Alonso. Liverpool finished third in the Premier League. They also won the FA Cup, beating West Ham United in a dramatic 3–3 draw, winning on penalties.

Challenges and Departures

Benítez (right) in April 2007, his third season in charge of Liverpool

Liverpool won the FA Community Shield in 2006. However, their league form was not consistent. Benítez led Liverpool to another Champions League final in 2007, but they lost 2–1 to Milan.

Benítez signed important players like Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel. Despite this, disagreements with the club's new owners about transfers became public. Fans showed strong support for Benítez.

In the 2008–09 season, Liverpool had a strong start. They beat Manchester United and ended Chelsea's long unbeaten run at home. Liverpool finished second in the league, their best under Benítez. He signed a new five-year deal in March 2009.

Benítez during Liverpool's Asia Tour in 2009

In Benítez's final season (2009–10), Xabi Alonso was sold to Real Madrid. This decision was questioned by many fans. Liverpool had their worst run in 22 years and exited the Champions League early. Benítez left Liverpool in June 2010 by "mutual consent."

Inter Milan and Chelsea

In June 2010, Benítez became the new head coach of Inter Milan. He won his first trophy, the Supercoppa Italiana, in August 2010. In December 2010, he guided Inter to win the FIFA Club World Cup. However, he was dismissed shortly after, in December 2010.

Benítez with Chelsea in 2012

On 21 November 2012, Benítez was appointed interim manager of Chelsea until the end of the season. His appointment was not popular with many Chelsea fans at first. He received a hostile welcome at his first home game.

Despite the initial reaction, Benítez led Chelsea to win the UEFA Europa League in 2013. They beat Benfica 2–1 in the final. This made Benítez only the second manager to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League with two different teams. Chelsea also finished third in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Champions League. Benítez left Chelsea at the end of the season.

Napoli and Real Madrid

On 27 May 2013, Benítez signed a two-year contract with Napoli. In his first season, he led the club to win the Coppa Italia. Napoli also finished third in Serie A. He announced he would leave Napoli at the end of the 2014–15 season.

Benítez shaking hands before a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Shakhtar Donetsk

On 3 June 2015, Benítez became the new manager of Real Madrid. Real Madrid started the league season unbeaten for a while. However, he was dismissed on 4 January 2016, after a few months in charge.

Newcastle United and Beyond

On 11 March 2016, Benítez was appointed manager of Newcastle United. He tried to save the club from relegation, but they went down to the Championship. However, in May 2017, Newcastle won the Championship and returned to the Premier League. Benítez left Newcastle in June 2019.

He then managed Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional from 2019 to 2021. In June 2021, Benítez became the manager of Everton. He was the second person to manage both Liverpool and Everton. Everton started well, but their form declined, and Benítez was dismissed in January 2022.

On 23 June 2023, Benítez was appointed manager of La Liga club Celta Vigo. He was sacked on 12 March 2024, after the team struggled in the league.

Relations with Other Managers

Benítez and West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola in 2009

Benítez had some rivalries with other managers during his time in English football. He had disagreements with José Mourinho, who managed Chelsea, and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United. These rivalries were often talked about in the media.

Benítez also had confrontations with Sam Allardyce. Allardyce once suggested Benítez was arrogant during a game. Benítez later explained his actions were a joke with his player, not a sign of arrogance.

Management Style

Banner held by fans on the Kop of former Liverpool managers, with Benítez on the far right

Benítez was known for being a demanding coach. He often changed his team's tactics to exploit weaknesses in the opposing team. His calm approach during games, like the 2005 Champions League final, helped his players believe they could win.

Benítez often used a 4–2–3–1 formation. He was known for rotating his players to keep them fresh, especially for cup competitions. He also used a defensive tactic called zonal marking, where players guard areas of the field instead of specific opponents.

Benítez in 2013

Benítez also made changes to improve youth development at clubs. For example, at Liverpool, he brought in club legend Kenny Dalglish to work with the academy.

Personal Life

Benítez's father, Francisco, worked in hotels, and his mother, Rosario, was a big football fan. His father supported Atlético Madrid, while his mother supported Real Madrid. Francisco passed away in December 2005.

Rafael Benítez married Maria Montserrat in 1998. They have two daughters. Benítez can speak Spanish, English, French, and Italian fluently.

Managerial Statistics

Honours

Player

Parla

• Tercera División: 1981–82

Manager

Benítez with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2012

Source:

Valencia

• La Liga: 2001–02, 2003–04
• UEFA Cup: 2003–04

Liverpool

• FA Cup: 2005–06
• FA Community Shield: 2006
• UEFA Champions League: 2004–05; runner-up: 2006–07
• UEFA Super Cup: 2005
• Football League Cup runner-up: 2004–05
• FIFA Club World Championship runner-up: 2005

Inter Milan

• Supercoppa Italiana: 2010
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2010

Chelsea

• UEFA Europa League: 2012–13

Napoli

• Coppa Italia: 2013–14
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2014

Newcastle United

• EFL Championship: 2016–17

Individual

• La Liga Best Coach: 2002
• UEFA Manager of the Year: 2003–04, 2004–05
• LMA Special Merit Award: 2006
• Premier League Manager of the Month: November 2005, December 2005, January 2007, October 2008, March 2009, April 2013, November 2018
• EFL Championship Manager of the Month: October 2016

See also

In Spanish: Rafa Benítez para niños

• List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winning managers
• List of UEFA Cup and Europa League winning managers