Rafael Benitez appointed Real Madrid coach: 5 things to watch out for

Real Madrid have confirmed  appointment Rafael Benitez as their new coach, replacing the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benitez signed the contract with the Blancos early on Wednesday morning which sees him manage the capital club until the summer of 2018.

“Real Madrid will present Rafa Benitez as the new coach for the next three seasons on Wednesday, June 3,” a club statement read.

“The event will take place at 13:00CET in the Royal Box of the Bernabeu, then Rafa Benitez will appear before the media in the press room.”

After spending time at Real Madrid Castilla in his senior career, Benitez returned to the Spanish Giants as coach of Castilla B in 1986. He won two league titles in 1987 and 1989, and a third with the youth B team in 1990.

After successful spells, Benitez sought work elsewhere eventually working his way through the Spanish ranks up to Valencia before joining Liverpool in 2004. A few trophies later, Benitez was relieved of his duties and spent time with Inter Milan in 2010, though brief, before taking over as Chelsea boss in the 2012/13 campaign.

After ensuring Chelsea a spot in the Champions League, it was revealed that Benitez had accepted a position with Napoli, where he spent two years with the club helping them reach the Europa League in both campaigns.

However, as stated above, the Spaniard left his post at Napoli and has now taken up the role as Real Madrid’s coach.

Here are five things to watch for as Rafa Benitez becomes the next manager of Los Blancos…

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