Benitez to Spain Rumours Refuse to Go Away

Just days prior to the FIFA World Cup kicking off, Spanish national coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked after it emerged he was set to take the Real Madrid hot seat after the tournament was over.

Hardly fresh news, however, what continues to rumble on is who is going to take over after stand-in coach Fernando Hierro failed to guide the 2010 World champions past the last sixteen stage and has since left the Spanish Football Federation.

Magpies boss Rafael Benitez’s name continues to be linked with the Spain hot seat, but could he be tempted? and how far down the pecking order is he?

Benitez has been instilled at 12/1 to take over La Furia Roja and that is initially good news as there are a host of names ahead of the 58-year-old.

The current favourite for the role is former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique with current Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez a close second.

However, Martinez could be about to guide Belgium to World Cup glory with his stock currently never higher and an eye on return to club management a distinct possibility.

Those looking for the best new free bets may be better off plumping on Enrique, but Benitez remains as an outsider for job and may be tempted if previous issues with club owner Mike Ashley come to the fore once again.

However, there is one significant aspect to take into consideration.

Spain are a side on a decline.

After dominating World football from 2008 to 2012 winning two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, Spain are no longer the unbeatable force they were at the beginning of the decade.

Stars such as Andres Iniesta has now confirmed his retirement from the national side at 34-years of age and with no Xavi and an ageing Diego Costa, the question is where do Spain go from here?

The Spaniards need to rebuild after two disappointing World Cups, but the truth is Benitez is a manager of the more traditional ilk and although more than capable, he is unlikely to be seen as the man to transform Spain back to the summit of World football unless as a stop gap.

Also, domestically, despite Benitez’s previous fracases with Mike Ashley, the water appears to have calmed somewhat and the initial signs are of plenty of rumoured transfer activity.

That is really all Benitez has ever wanted after staying loyal to the club and guiding them back into the Premier League.

The smart option would be stay on Tyneside as such an established manager as Rafa taking over a Spain side on the slide could prove to be damning to his CV.

After Spain’s recent successes, expectation remains high, but the nationals team have not gelled or passed the ball well in the last six years and need a complete shakeup.

After a number of years now with the Magpies, one would sense it would be a waste for Rafa to step aside but football’s a funny old game and the chance to take over his nation may be viewed as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Even if it is clear he is not first choice.