Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, are Real Madrid up to
some mind games with Rafa's side meeting them next
month in the champions league?
Rafa Benitez was Real Madrid's first choice to replace
Bernd Schuster as manager, according to reports in Spain.
Catalan-based newspaper Sport claims Real made an approach for
the Liverpool boss, but were told Benitez could not leave Anfield
mid-season.
The Bernebeu club then appointed former Tottenham boss Juande
Ramos, who was available to start immediately after being replaced
by Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
The report was made in the paper's 'Confidential' section, which
also suggested Real Madrid could make another attempt to sign
Benitez at the end of the season.
Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season and
failure to win La Liga or the Champions League could see Real in
the market for yet another manager.
The club are currently fifth in Spain's top flight, 12 points
behind rivals Barcelona. Real will play Benitez's Liverpool in the
first knock-out stage of the Champions League on February 25 and
face a tricky return leg at Anfield on March 10.
Benitez was Real's favoured target as the Spaniard coached at
the Bernebeu in numerous backroom roles for almost a decade in the
80s and 90s. The Liverpool boss, 48, was born in Madrid, played for
Real as a youngster and was appointed youth coach in 1986.
Benitez also has a proven track record as a manager in Spain,
winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Cup in three remarkable years
with Valencia.
The first Spaniard to manage in the English top flight, Benitez
has reiterated his pedigree in European competition by leading
Liverpool to glory in the Champions League in 2005 before taking
them to the final again two years later.
Liverpool also won the FA Cup in 2006 and currently sit top of
the Premier League as they bid to win their first league title for
19 years.