Rafa Benitez has outlined his desire to make a managerial comeback 12 months on from an explosive Everton exit. The Spaniard - who made his name in English football at Liverpool - was unwanted by Toffees supporters upon arrival at Goodison Park.
Despite a promising start at Everton, the wheels soon came off and Benitez was sacked just six months into the job. Since then, the 62-year-old has enjoyed time out of the game, working in various media roles - but the fire to coach still burns.
Newcastle United supporters have an affinity for Benitez due to his three-and-a-half years on Tyneside. Steadying the ship during the latter days of Mike Ashley, the tactician spearheaded a Championship-winning campaign in 2016-17 before keeping the club up for two seasons.
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There was talk about Benitez returning following the Saudi-backed takeover but Eddie Howe’s success has squashed any possibility of that happening. Speaking to BT Sport, the ex-Toon manager admitted Premier League heavyweights going head-to-head whets his appetite for a return.
“Yes, for sure (whether Manchester City vs Newcastle makes him relish a return),” Benitez said. "I think everybody enjoys these kind of games. Massive games with top sides, so you enjoy that.
“Always, I talk about a project but in football now it’s very difficult. You see Anthony Gordon. Young players, you can maybe coach young players, you can improve your team and then you can compete.
"It’s not just survival, you have to compete and then you have to create an atmosphere. Always, I say I have the experience to do that, so I want to do it as soon as possible.”
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