BENITEZ - REAL DEAL HAD NO APPEAL

zocoss SG

Rafael Benitez has confirmed publicly for the first time that he has turned down a massive offer to manage Real Madrid. And sources close to the Liverpool boss insist that the Spanish giants wanted Benitez before they turned their attention to Jose Mourinho.

As the Anfield chief prepared his side for tomorrow's home Barclays Premiership game with Middlesbrough, it has become clear he rejected a huge offer from Madrid which could have virtually doubled his Anfield contract.

It is intriguing that the Benitez camp are happy to let it be known who was top of Madrid's wish list the week before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Mourinho's Chelsea. Madrid-born Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry have made no secret of the fact that the Anfield boss rejected an approach from Real last summer.

Now it has been confirmed that the club Benitez played for, coached the youngsters of and was assistant manager at, came back with another deal in the last few weeks. Benitez has previously been reluctant to be too specific about what has been going on behind the scenes. But he has now said: "I said no to Real when they offered me more money than I get here, even though there maybe were greater expectations.

"Madrid may be my town, but I am happy here and pleased with everything. We want to stay because of the new ideas and the new owners are very exciting.

turbo_drift SG

Dunno whether is it a good news or a bad news... Confused

SumOne SG

Good news. Benitez is a good manager. Good to have him in EPL.

used SG

real will never get this kind of managers given the way they treated their own managers for the past few seasons.

zocoss SG

REAL RUBBISH RAFA`S CLAIMS

Real Madrid have denied Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's claims they made him an offer to become their new coach. It has long been thought that Real wanted Benitez to replace Fabio Capello in the summer, with sources close to the Spaniard insisting he was their first choice before they turned their attention to Chelsea's Jose Mourinho.

And as Benitez prepared his side for the clash with Middlesbrough, he suggested he had rejected a huge offer. He said: "I said no to Real when they offered me more money than I get here, even though there maybe were greater expectations.

"Madrid may be my town, but I am happy here and pleased with everything. We want to stay because of the new ideas and the new owners are very exciting."

However Real have now issued a statement denying Benitez's claims. It read: "In regard to the statements attributed to current Liverpool coach Rafael Benítez...Real Madrid wish to deny any negotiations with said professional, or any other, concerning his possible incorporation to the Club next season.

"Real Madrid, as reiterated by the President and Board Directors, are counting on prestigious coach Fabio Capello, who still has two years remaining on his three-year contract."

lalaTearz SG

Rafael Benítez…i think he not gd enough for epl..his tactics seems onli to be working in champion league…

zocoss SG

Could it be that Real are embarrass or too ashamed that they got turn down? That someone is not rushing to join them? And whoever the next guy, is their 2nd choice...

I think its no secret that they are planning to get rid of Capello... for the past few months they have been treating him like a donkey, they even have a pre-contract with Getafe's German coach Bernd Schuster as a backup plan But suddenly he has become their prestigious coach Fabio Capello... Laughing

Have Benitez made it all up or is Real lying... Would you rather belief Benitez or the Real Madrid people... Rolling Eyes

SumOne SG

Hmmm..... But the team isn't in 3rd place for nothing. Neither was it by luck.

SumOne SG

I believe Benitez is the more trustworthy of the two. It's much more likely that Real Madrid is lying save themselves some face. Moreover, Benitez has no reason to want to come out and make Real look bad.