Whenever a new manager takes the responsibility of a big side, first and biggest challenge that comes ahead of him is how to convince players and keep them in tact coz this is the time most of the switches happen. Real Madrid is one such side who recently fired its manager to bring Rafael Benitez after their dismissal show in the last season and ever since former Napoli boss has joined the Spanish giant he is facing a new challenge every other day – from rumors of his spat with Ronaldo to convincing unsettled players to stay at Bernabeu. Rumors were in the air off late that captain Sergio Ramos and striker Karim Benzema could move out of Spain amid their recent linkup news with Manchester United and Arsenal. Likewise, Red Devils goalie David De Gea was reportedly also keen to join the Spanish giant. Amid these reports, 55-year-old Spanish mentor only wants to keep a hold over his own players hence revealed his desire to keep Sergio and Benzema during a press meet after 4-1 … [Read more...]
Carlo Ancelotti talks about his departure and new Real manager Rafael Benitez
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is having sleepless nights these days after few media reports suggest bosses at the helm are preparing to fire him. But, 55-year-old Italian is trying to pretend as he is not worrying with any decision club bosses take about him and only suggests he would like to serve the side for his full term and prove why he was brought in at Santiago Bernabéu. There were few names suggested in few Spanish sports daily who could fill his space in the next season that includes former Manchester United temporary manager and current Napoli boss Rafael Benitez. This is despite the fact that Ancelotti helped Spanish giant win both Champions League and Copa del Rey titles in his first spell for Spanish side. The coming Saturday, when Real will host Getafe in its last season game, Ancelotti future will be decided. Talking about his future with Championship league defenders, 55-year-old said, “We have not spoken yet. I've not spoken with club, or them with me. I am still … [Read more...]
Benitez happy with Terry break but vexed by tide schedule ahead
Whenever any news comes in about Chelsea’s captain John Terry, it becomes widely popular among all club fans, and this is exactly what seems to be happening right now. Recently, John Terry enjoyed an extended break which gave him enough time to get fit for Stamford Bridge club. Even Rafael Benitez is happy to see his captain got enough time to recover from his injuries and hoping he would definitely come back to his team very soon. Actually, his decision to retire from international soccer gave him much room to concentrate on club football; hence Benitez is counting on him for Chelsea’s busy schedule coming ahead. Taking about his injuries, he recently said, “Every time when a player is injured he needs time to come back. This break is important. He was training with us every day and improving his fitness. We had just five players so we could pay more attention to everyone. He was positive and it was positive in terms of the time we had with him. It is just a question of how many games … [Read more...]
Benitez prioritizes among top four EPL finish
No one would like to see the EPL’s final tally without its defending champion: Chelsea on a top position - perhaps among top four places. Chelsea’s temporary manager Rafael Benitez also hinted about his desire to at least make a comeback and secured one of the top four places, and for that, he is even willing to sacrifice their FA cup journey. According to him, they are playing too many matches these days hence they need to fix their priorities and select one of them rather jumping towards all of them. Notably, Chelsea’s chances of finishing among top four shunned on Sunday when City defeated them by 2-0, and now, Tottenham will be ahead of them if it overcomes West Ham at Upton Park on Monday night. For Benitez, their horror show on Sunday gave their rivals an opportunity to go ahead of them. When asked about any reason for ignoring Captain John Terry for their big fight with City, he said, it was necessary and a part of strategy for last few weeks of the EPL. However, when he was … [Read more...]
Is Rafael Benitez next on firing line?
Football seems to be the only game of sport where even the key officials’ job is not stable; they can be fired at any time without giving an opportunity to be heard. There have been many cases in the past where managers of top clubs are fired overnight citing their nonperformance or under estimated results. Chelsea is one team which is always optimistic to perform well in any league they play at; at least this is what their millions of fans think. Last time, Chelsea fired its manager coz of his shoddy performance, there was no one who agreed to take over the job on a permanent basis; hence Chelsea had to appoint a new manager on a temporary basis with a promise to make his job permanent if he proves his ability. For some time, Chelsea showed some magnificent victories but since last few matches; they are almost back to the place where their ex-manager left them. They have given up any hope to triumph back at EPL or in any other major league this season for that matter, and this is not … [Read more...]