Madrid sports tabloid Marca claims that Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez (47) is the main candidate to replace Frank Rijkaard (45) as Barcelona manager next season (read more here). With his efficiency on the pitch and his strong hand in the dressing room, the Spaniard would fit perfectly the profile set by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who is since a while convinced the Rijkaard era is over.
When Benítez earlier this season was rumoured to have serious problems with the American owners of Liverpool, Laporta contacted the manager a first time. At the end of last year Laporta held a meeting with persons close to Benítez. Upon that, Benítez, who was attracted by the Barcelona interest, stopped the ongoing negotiations with Bayern Munich to replace manager Ottmar Hitzfeld in the summer. At this moment, Benítez, whose contract expires in 2009, don't want to force an exit and is waiting until Liverpool makes the first move.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Benitez waiting for the Barcelona bench
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3 comments:
Benitez is not a coach for Barca. I hope this reports are rubbish ... he is a madridista, prefers anti-football, his recent results are poor, does his stupid rotation policy and is struggling after the departure of his assistant (Paco Ayesteran). I dont believe this change would help us. Laporta should addict on Mourinho but unfortunately it seems to be too late.
Agree.
I don't believe for a second that Laporta contacted Benitez. This is just rubbish rumours from Madrid press, nothing else. The only one we should sign is the fitness coach Paco Ayesteran.
It's not to late for Mourinho, but unfortunately Laporta is to stubborn to realize he's the right coach to sign.
It's very unlikely Benitez would come (he's so not-Barça), but then again: maybe some may think a radical change would do us good.
Meanwhile, Mourinho and Inter both denied a meeting, so there's still hope for those who want him as the successor of Rijkaard.
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