Rafael Benítez Maudes (16/04/1960, Madrid) is the new Real Madrid coach. The White club's latest project will be managed by a man who embodies success, experience and the Real Madrid spirit. Joining from Napoli, the 55-year-old has won everything on the international stage. A Champions League, a Club World Cup, a European Super Cup and two Europa League titles stand proudly in his extensive collection of trophies, which also includes 2 La Liga titles. Well used to the pressures involved with managing big teams in Spain, Italy and England, he is the only Spanish coach to have reached 100 games in the European Cup. A methodical tactician, tireless worker and footballing scholar, Benítez is one of the greatest coaches on the global stage. Madridista While his achievements speak for themselves, so too does his knowledge of the club and the values associated with Real Madrid. Benítez is a home-grown talent. After making his way through the Real Madrid youth ranks between 13 and 20 years of age, he got his coaching career underway at the Whites' academy. For nine seasons he trained various youth teams, eventually taking the reins of Castilla and then becoming the second in command of the first team, in the 93-94 season.

He left Real Madrid in 1995 and continued his coaching career with Valladolid, Osasuna and Extremadura. After gaining promotion to the Spanish topflight with Tenerife, he signed for Valencia in 2001. During his three years with the club he won two La Liga titles and one Europa League.



The Champions League

He took charge of Liverpool in the summer of 2004 and the team were crowned European champions during his first year at the club. He was at the helm for six seasons and also picked up a European Super Cup, a Community Shield and an FA Cup. Additionally, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year in 2004 and 2005. His next project was at Inter Milan, where he won the Club World Cup and the Italian Super Cup.



Titles during his last three seasons

He made his way back to England in 2012, this time to take over at Chelsea. And once again he lifted a continental title during his first season in charge: the Europa League. His last job was at Napoli, with whom he won the Cup and the Italian Super Cup during his two seasons with the club. With his status among the elite managers cemented, Benítez now makes his return to Real Madrid with the objective of adding more silverware to the world's most lauded club.



Career:

1986-1995: Real Madrid academy

1995-1996: Real Valladolid

1996-1997: Osasuna

1997-1999: Extremadura

2000-2001: Tenerife

2001-2004: Valencia

2004-2010: Liverpool

2010-2010: Inter Milan

2012-2013: Chelsea

2013-2015: Napoli

2015- : Real Madrid



Titles:

- 1 Champions League (2005 with Liverpool)

- 1 Club World Cup (2010 with Inter)

- 1 European Super Cup (2005 with Liverpool)

- 2 Europa League (2004 with Valencia and 2013 with Chelsea)

- 2 La Ligas (2002 and 2004 with Valencia)

- 1 FA Cup (2006 with Liverpool)

- 1 Copa de Italia (2014 with Napoli)

- 2 Italian Super Cups (2010 with Inter and 2014 with Napoli)

- 1 FA Community Shield (2006 with Liverpool)



Individual awards:

- Named UEFA Manager of the Year: 2004 and 2005.