The What Now For Benitez Thread

[dom9]

Well, Inter are favourites:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8724605.stm

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is poised to hold talks with Champions League winners Inter Milan next week.

Inter are looking for a new manager after Jose Mourinho, who also won Serie A and the Italian Cup last season, left to take over at Real Madrid.

Benitez left Liverpool by mutual consent on Thursday after six years at the helm at Anfield.

"That is the direction and in the next few days we will see and decide," said Inter president Massimo Moratti.

"I can only speak well of him because he is very good.

"It's also important that he has always done well in Europe: to continue to get joy from the Champions League is our aim," Moratti added in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

The 50-year-old has a strong track record in European football, having won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and the Uefa Cup with Valencia in 2004.

606: DEBATE
Is Benitez the right choice for Inter Milan?
But he would have big shoes to fill at Inter, with Mourinho winning the league in both seasons he was at the club, not to mention securing the Champions League and Italian Cup last season.

And before Mourinho's spell at the club, Inter won three consecutive titles under Roberto Mancini.

Benitez was strongly linked with a move to Juventus, but since his departure from Anfield he has become the subject of speculation suggesting a move to the San Siro is imminent.

Even Javier Mascherano, one of his former players at Liverpool, has suggested that the Spaniard would be the ideal fit for Inter.

"Only Benitez could take the place of a coach like Mourinho," said Mascherano.

"He is a great coach. He has charisma, personality, a winning mentality.

"Moreover, he will find himself brilliantly in Italy because of the tactical game. Rafa studies everything on the table and directs the team from the bench like a orchestra conductor.

"After Mourinho, he is the only man capable of continuing Inter's winning run."

I think it goes without saying that he is made for the Italian game. But Inter is an ageing team that may have peaked.

Will be interesting to see, and I hope he wins shed loads wherever he ends up.

[Kenneth]

A thankless job really. As you say, most if the beat player are getting on a bit now and they may well have peaked. Of he doesn't push them to another title, he'll end up being compared negatively to Jose. Still, it's top job so mist be very tempting. That's why I am not too worried about our position, good money at a club with potential is a good job for an ambitious manager. The credibility gained from improving the clubs position is huge. Rafa's stock has certainly increased at Liverpool, mainly due to our CL record.

[dom9]

A thankless job really. As you say, most if the beat player are getting on a bit now and they may well have peaked. Of he doesn't push them to another title, he'll end up being compared negatively to Jose. Still, it's top job so mist be very tempting. That's why I am not too worried about our position, good money at a club with potential is a good job for an ambitious manager. The credibility gained from improving the clubs position is huge. Rafa's stock has certainly increased at Liverpool, mainly due to our CL record.

I could also definitely see Mascher following him. Perhaps others too?

[-V-]

He's got nothing to gain from going to Inter now after Mourinho's won everything.

He should take a break from football, de-stress he needs it

[Kenneth]

True, he doesn't need the money. If I were him, i'd spend some of my payoff and take the Spain job when it becomes vacant.

[Neil Young]

What a f*cking nightmare this all is.

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

Yeah i would hope he takes a long break and when the new owners come in,they give him the job back.
If only

[Mostar]

He's got nothing to gain from going to Inter now after Mourinho's won everything.

He should take a break from football, de-stress he needs it

I was thinking the same. Hopefully he will not rush and sign a new contract right away. 1 year away from football would be imo his best move.

[little dave hedgehog]

not sure he has it in him to take breaks.

[dom9]

This is true.

[Broner]

not sure he has it in him to take breaks.

Agree. It's no secret Rafa is Football, football and more football 24:7.

I say Rafa would crack up if he wasn't involved in the game.

I'd love to see him take the Inter job and be a big hit in Italy, won't be an easy job in following Jose's footsteps. Hope the Inter fans are patient with him and allow him to make his mark.

Anyone know if Rafa speaks Italian?

[little dave hedgehog]

he does speak italian. but i think he'll take over at arsenal in the next few weeks.

[Broner]

he does speak italian. but i think he'll take over at arsenal in the next few weeks.

[dww]

Benitez nears Inter job
Former Liverpool manager close to new post

By Danny Wright Last updated: 7th June 2010 [Sky]

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has suggested Rafa Benitez is closing in on the club's vacant managerial post.

Benitez left Liverpool last Thursday but has widely been reported as a target for the Italian giants, who are searching for Jose Mourinho's successor.

Mourinho has departed for Real Madrid after winning the treble at Giuseppe Meazza, paving the way for the Spaniard to take over after he parted company with the Reds.

And Moratti has dropped his biggest hint yet that the 50-year-old is ready to be anointed at the Nerazzurri, with a possible deal only hours away from completion.
Decisive

Moratti told reporters in Italy: "The next few hours could be decisive. But we must ask (technical director Marco) Branca."

Should Benitez take charge of the Serie A champions as expected, he will reportedly sign three-year terms worth 5million euros a season (£3.5m).

Benitez appears set to take his Anfield assistant Mauricio Pellegrino, goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero and fitness coach Paco de Miguel with him, with Italian Amedeo Carboni - who played under Benitez as a midfielder at Valencia - also likely to be added to his backroom staff.

Benitez had been linked with a move to Juventus, however the Old Lady moved to appoint former Sampdoria boss Luigi del Neri before he had left Liverpool.

[Baracus]

Benitez nears Inter job
Former Liverpool manager close to new post

By Danny Wright Last updated: 7th June 2010 [Sky]

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has suggested Rafa Benitez is closing in on the club's vacant managerial post.

Benitez left Liverpool last Thursday but has widely been reported as a target for the Italian giants, who are searching for Jose Mourinho's successor.

Mourinho has departed for Real Madrid after winning the treble at Giuseppe Meazza, paving the way for the Spaniard to take over after he parted company with the Reds.

And Moratti has dropped his biggest hint yet that the 50-year-old is ready to be anointed at the Nerazzurri, with a possible deal only hours away from completion.
Decisive

Moratti told reporters in Italy: "The next few hours could be decisive. But we must ask (technical director Marco) Branca."

Should Benitez take charge of the Serie A champions as expected, he will reportedly sign three-year terms worth 5million euros a season (£3.5m).

Benitez appears set to take his Anfield assistant Mauricio Pellegrino, goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero and fitness coach Paco de Miguel with him, with Italian Amedeo Carboni - who played under Benitez as a midfielder at Valencia - also likely to be added to his backroom staff.

Benitez had been linked with a move to Juventus, however the Old Lady moved to appoint former Sampdoria boss Luigi del Neri before he had left Liverpool.

Thats not that bad at the moment. Hopefully those 2 newcastle fitness coaches will disappear and we will get to keep hold of key staff such as the new aussie doctor