Rafa Benitez has opened up about the offers he has received from Premier League clubs recently, insisting none of them have lived up to his expectations as he eyes a return to top flight management.
In an exclusive interview with Spanish outlet MARCA, our former manager has revealed that “more than one” top flight club has come calling for his services – but he has rejected every advance made so far.
The meticulous Benitez admitted last month that he still watches as many games as he can and speaks to his coaching staff every day to analyse how teams are performing in the Premier League.
He has been out of work since January after leaving his post with Dalian Pro; serving 18 months in China following his Newcastle United exit.
Here is what he said about the influx of offers he has received in recent times, and even had room for another thinly-veiled swipe at Mike Ashley in the process as he looks for “serious projects” only:
“I’ve already received more than one (Premier League offer) in the last few months, but it wasn’t the right time or project. I needed to spend time with my family.
“I want to find a club with ambition, one either competing for titles or looking for a serious project that will lead to that later.
“I always say that the key to success is balance – both on the pitch between defence and attack, but also in the management of the club.”
With so few jobs available in the Premier League and him clearly keen to stay with his family in England, it’ll be interesting to see where his next step takes him this summer.
A return to Tyneside is dead in the water as long as Ashley remains in charge of the club but with legal proceedings lingering in the background, could Rafa be monitoring the situation to see if he can finish what he started?
He’s waiting for Jose to get the bullet I reckon – but I don’t think Spurs fans would want him
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rafa is worse than Bruce and Tynemouth Police
Ian Cusack(Quote)
Come to Palace rafa we need someone sensible after 3 boring years of hodgeson
Peter kemp(Quote)