Rafa Benitez eyeing return to the Premier League as Tottenham speculation continues
Benitez has made a return to England his priority
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez said returning to England is his priority after his departure from Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro, with speculation brewing that Tottenham Hotspur could be his next Premier League job.
Benitez left Dalian Pro in January, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor in his decision. He had been on a lucrative contract worth a reported 12 million pounds ($16.68 million) per year after he left Newcastle in 2019.
The experienced Spaniard, who also had a spell as Chelsea’s interim boss, has been linked with the job at Tottenham next season.
“I moved to China because there were no top sides here, so I needed to keep competing and doing my job,” Benitez, whose home is in Liverpool, told Sky Sports.
“I’m watching every Premier League game and sometimes Championship games so that I’m always ready. The priority is England, the Premier League, my family is here... I like the style of football here. I’ll try to be ready here.
“I’m watching the Serie A because it’s a good league for me but there, in France, in Germany, in Portugal, I don’t see too many options... to have a project where you can develop players and make the team more competitive.”
Ex-England and Tottenham striker Peter Crouch said former Valencia, Inter Milan, Napoli and Real Madrid manager Benitez was a good option for Spurs.
The London club last month appointed former midfielder Ryan Mason as interim head coach for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.
“It wouldn’t be the worst shout. He (Benitez) has proven at the highest level, his CV is superb. There are worse candidates, for sure,” Crouch told the Daily Mail.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments