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"EuroFootball.com" visitor Martynas Bendikas shares his thoughts on the suitability of Rafael Benitez to take over the coaching reins at London's "Chelsea" club. The text is unedited.
On November 21, 2012, a new name was etched into the history of the London "Chelsea" club - Rafael Benitez. After a painful defeat to Turin's "Juventus" with a score of 0-3, the management of the team defending the UEFA Champions League title decided to part ways with over half a year's sitting head coach Roberto Di Matteo and unexpectedly shook hands with a Spanish strategist who had not coached any team for two years.
The 52-year-old specialist's collection of trophies speaks for itself - two Spanish champion titles won with "Valencia", triumph in the UEFA Cup with the same team, and the following season, already at the helm of the "Liverpool" team, he clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy in a famous final against AC "Milan".
Nevertheless, R. Benitez, who signed an 18-month contract with the "aristocrats", was not welcomed in London as the future savior of "Chelsea". A coach who spends money lavishly, hungers for unlimited power, and simply cannot handle high-level team battles - such a reputation the Spaniard earned for his last season at "Liverpool" and a short period when he led Milan's "Inter". However, "Chelsea" owner Roman Abramovich did not hesitate to entrust the team's helm to him.
Did R. Abramovich make a mistake by taking such a step? Probably not. At the moment, R. Benitez is one of the most suitable, if not the most suitable option for the English capital's team.
"People talk a lot these days, but I came to London not to listen to words, but to seek victories and trophies," said the new "Chelsea" manager.
In addition to his extensive experience and a wide collection of trophies, R. Benitez is also well-known for his tactical maneuvers. Not every strategist could compel his players to recover from a 0-3 loss in the UEFA Champions League final. With little experience, R. Di Matteo often faced tactical problems, so it is conceivable that "Chelsea" play could gain greater stability.
R. Benitez is also benefited by having 4 compatriots in his disposal - Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Oriol Romeu, and Fernando Torres. The latter player is probably closely related to the reasons why the reins of the London club were offered to R. Benitez.
"Rafa was the most important coach in my career. He was the only one who knew how to help me improve. His priority is the whole team, but at the same time, he ensures that every player in the team is happy. That is Rafa's secret. I learned a lot from him and I am grateful to him for what I am now," confessed F. Torres almost a year ago to the press.
The Spanish national team striker experienced his best times playing for the "Liverpool" team led by R. Benitez. Of course, it is naive to expect F. Torres to play again as he did four or five years ago, but we can be sure that a familiar face in the coaching staff will give the Spaniard much more confidence in his abilities.
A lot of football fans ironically predict that the specialist who has already ruined the "Liverpool" and "Inter" clubs will continue his mission of ruin in London. Meanwhile, the most loyal and optimistic "Chelsea" fans hope that the Spaniard will be another coach working at the club not only from the beginning of the season and will achieve very good results.
The latter forecast is more realistic. Let us remember "Liverpool" and "Inter". Since R. Benitez left these teams, the situation has not fundamentally changed. Both are still going through not the best times, which once again leads to the conclusion: Rafa was not in the right place and time there. After all, there was no coincidence that a significant part of the "Liverpool" fans awaited his return last summer, but, as the specialist himself recently revealed his astonishment at the time, he did not even receive a call from the "Liverpool" management that chose Brendan Rodgers.
The season is long, "Chelsea" is in a good position in the national championships and still has a chance to defend the title of UEFA Champions League winners, but whether R. Benitez is the right person for this team will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Rafa's first serious test awaits him this Sunday - a meeting with the "Premier" league champions "Manchester City" players.
